After 3 weeks of being here, I have managed to overcome the culture shock and adjusting to the different everyday functions America has compared to back home.

Scotland and America are two very different countries yet so similar in other ways. The healthcare position is a good example of how different the two countries are. Would America benefit from changing to public healthcare like the UK? Many people in the UK have private healthcare as they feel the basic package that the NHS offers is not good enough. It would be nice for America to have the option to choose like the UK does as not everyone can afford private healthcare. Could you imagine having to pay for an ambulance?

Only working here as an Intern has opened up my eyes as to how hard it would be to compete for a job here at Liberty Mutual. I have only met a handful of Interns and they are incredibly hard working and determined individuals that know exactly what they want and what they need to get there. It has given me a real culture shock as to how many organisations I have been exposed to and how lazy some members of staff have been in comparison to out here in America. The term “achieving the American Dream” can really be a dream for some people as they do have to work extremely hard to get there.

The American way of working hard in the workplace is an inspiring and motivating view. Promotions are only given to people who work hard and actually deserve it; people who do not work hard are discarded of. You find that many people here are very work-orientated – yet they all know how to treat each other with respect and kindness and enjoy their time at work. Since Scotland has joined the EU, many legislation laws have restricted companies to discard of the “bad eggs” which, in fact now holds Scotland back, how can companies grow if they rely on people who are only there for the pay package? Scotland needs to aim higher than the “basic package” if it wants to become as successful as it is capable of. Companies need people that want to drive the company forward and grow it to the full potential it is worth. The term “the higher up you are the less work you do” does not apply in America. The higher up you are, you have probably worked very hard to get there and deserve the position that you are in.

I have been exposed to meeting some of the best people that Scotland has to offer in Boston – the Fellows. It is amazing how inspiring and motivating it was for me to meet such lovely people. These type of people will help Scotland grow indefinitely and it was a pleasure to meet you all and I wish you the best of luck! Cannot wait to meet up with you all when we get back!!