I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme as something of a leap of faith. It was a Sunday night last October; I’d been studying late in the library and was about to pack up when I noticed an email I’d pinned weeks prior: an opportunity to secure a fully funded summer internship abroad. Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt to apply.
Fast forward one year, and I’ve now completed an internship that reshaped my confidence, capabilities, and career. A summer spent in New York City, immersed in the biopharma and life science industries — it was an experience as transformative as it was unforgettable.
My name is Amelia Hepworth, and I am a chemistry student at the University of Edinburgh. I’ve always been driven by the chance to apply science to real-world problems, to work at the intersection of science and business, and to have a tangible impact on global challenges. Yet when considering my career, I often felt uncertain. Traditional lab work never fully appealed to me, but I remained deeply passionate about my studies and their application. Through the Saltire Scholars Programme, I discovered That’s Nice: A Science Agency, and the opportunity to bridge that gap arose at exactly the right time.
For 10 weeks, I worked as a Scientific Market Research Intern, diving headfirst into the world of pharma and biotech in the heart of NYC. As part of the Nice Insight team, I carried out secondary research on the global CMO landscape for market reports, identifying trends and innovations shaping the future of healthcare. I also contributed to Pharma’s Almanac, a thought-leadership platform that demystifies science and makes breakthroughs accessible to non-specialist readers. The experience was eye-opening, equipping me with a strong understanding of the complexities of biopharma and the technologies shaping our future.
Communication, data analysis, teamwork, time management — these are just a few of the skills I strengthened during my time with That’s Nice. I also gained fresh perspectives and greater career clarity. From day one, my colleagues were welcoming and supportive, and learning from such a hardworking, talented team was a privilege.
One of the highlights came on just my second day, when I helped film part of the Road to 30 Years series, celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary. Shot at 30 locations across New York City, where That’s Nice was founded, the project intertwined the city’s landmarks with the company’s rich history. Experiencing both for the first time was unforgettable and set the tone for the weeks ahead. From the daily subway commute and lunches in Union Square to weekends exploring the vibrant city and watching fireworks over the East River on July 4th, New York was something to behold. I was fortunate to share it all with fellow Saltire Scholar Natalie, and together, we made the most of every minute.
If you’re considering applying to the Saltire Scholars Programme: do it. I could never have envisioned where that late-night application would take me. I leave this experience with immense personal and professional growth, a supportive network, and memories and friendships that I will treasure for life. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, the opportunities you’ll uncover are unlike anything else.
Thank you, Saltire.
