Two students from the University of Stirling have earned coveted placements on the Saltire Foundation Undergraduate Internship Programme
Kaysha Hughes, a third year Business Studies student, will be travelling to Houston, Texas, USA - to undertake a project with Wood Group, a leading international energy services company. Omari Whyne, a third year Marketing student, will be undertaking a digital marketing internship at Edinburgh Airport.
Kayha and Omari are two of 104 students who have been selected through a highly competitive selection process to benefit from the internship programme. The programme offers some of Scotland’s most talented undergraduate students an “opportunity of a lifetime”.
Successful applicants – who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities – are given a fully-funded internship, working with senior-level, influential people in the world's leading companies. The experience enables them to develop their skills and knowledge of the commercial world, gain a global perspective on business and take advantage of networking opportunities.
The internships are sourced in a variety of fields, including engineering, science, marketing, management, finance, arts management, video production, law, business development, tourism and hospitality and international relations.
Kaysha Hughes, who will be working within the Wood Group’s Corporate Communications and Safety and Assurance Departments, said: “I was so excited and shocked to hear I had been chosen out of so many other applicants. I hope to develop stronger communication and organisation skills and learn about how businesses operate on a global level.”
She added: “My longer-term career aspiration is to own my own business so I hope this internship will enable me to build my knowledge and skillset to help me achieve this. I am most looking forward to gaining an international experience - both in and outside the work place.”
Omari Whyne said: “When I received the call I was shocked as it was so unexpected. I felt a sense of elation; I had put my heart and soul into the application process.
“Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport and was recently bought by Global Infrastructure Partners. The new owners have ambitious plans and I feel very fortunate to be in such a dynamic environment at this time."
He added: “There is still so much for me to learn about marketing but this internship will provide me with valuable experience in the working world. I am most looking forward to putting theory into practice and learning new skills in a dynamic ambitious environment.”
The Stirling students were supported throughout the application process by the University’s Career Development Centre. Pamela Crawford, Head of Careers and Employability Services said: “We are delighted Omari and Kaysha have been successful this year against huge competition from all universities in Scotland.
“The University of Stirling has a strong commitment to the employability of its students. We provide access to opportunities that enhance the student experience and empower our students to develop life-long career management skills.
“Stirling students have been successful in securing Saltire Internships since the programme’s inception, with successful applicants working all over the world from New York to Japan in companies such as Liberty Mutual, GlaxoSmithKline and The Wood Group. These students have increased their employability and broadened their insight into the global business market.
She added: “The Career Development Centre (CDC) continues to work closely with the Saltire Foundation to ensure our students access these great opportunities each year.”
Commending this year’s 104 successful applicants, Sandy Kennedy, Saltire Foundation CEO, said: “They have been selected from among the most able, talented and ambitious young people that Scotland has to offer. I am sure that they will do their country and themselves proud as they set out into the international arena, learning new skills and gaining first-class business experience that they can bring back to Scotland."