Thirty Four Scots students take up global business chance

World-class students from Scottish universities have secured international work placements at leading companies as part of the SaltireFoundation undergraduate programme.

The programme, open to high-calibre undergraduates in their penultimate year, aims to equip participating students with a positive, can-do attitude and improve their employability.

The eight-week internships enable 34 undergraduates, selected from over 300 applicants, to work at the international branches of influential companies. These include Bayer in Germany, IBM in China, RBS Securities in Japan, GSK Singapore, Wood Group in Houston and the Boston office of Liberty Mutual.

The SaltireFoundation is an independent charitable organisation which has the support of some of the world's foremost multi-nationals, the GlobalScot network and the backing of Scottish Enterprise.

Andrew McFarlan took part in the internship programme last year and he said: "My internship at the Illinois St Andrews Society in 2008 armed me with confidence, great experience and a contact book which should bolster my career prospects for the foreseeable future. In this economic climate, it is essential that students are armed with substantial workplace skills to improve their employability upon graduation.

"It really was the opportunity of a lifetime; simply being in an environment where experienced businesspeople are involving you in their work is priceless. The SaltireFoundation undergraduate programme is of great benefit to participants, socially and professionally."

Irene Johnstone, executive director of the SaltireFoundation added: "The SaltireFoundation's aim is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurial business people ready to enhance Scotland's commercial performance. We are confident the undergraduates on our programme will go on to achieve great things.

"Our undergraduates are given an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the professional world's greatest success stories, and we are privileged to have the support of the international business community in order to offer these invaluable internship placements."

With only limited places available and over 300 applicants this year, the programme standards are high. Selection is based on individual merits, with academic achievement being only one of the factors considered and considerable emphasis placed on enthusiasm, initiative and entrepreneurial promise.