Well, I still can’t quite believe I am writing this blog as one of the few fortunate Scottish students to be selected to represent the Saltire Foundation in New York this summer. When the project list was released the Lab 49 placement seemed too good to be true- working in their strategy consulting group for clients within the financial services industry appeared to be a perfect fit with both my degree subjects (Management Science and Finance) and career aspirations. As I eagerly awaited the outcome of each round of the application process Alicia Keys was playing everywhere I went but never did I think this would soon become known as “Claire’s Song” by my family and friends! It is true however, a summer internship in the Big Apple was initially an intangible dream and it yet to hit me that in less than two weeks this dream is actually going to materialise J

I have spoken to briefly to Ross Hamilton (our manager and a founding member of the Global Scot network) who sounds like a great person to be working with. He has indicated the business has lots of work going on at the moment and that Chris (my fellow Lab 49 intern) and I will be working on a range of strategy projects as well as internal marketing and work shadowing to get an idea of “a day in the life of”. I cannot wait to get started and make the daily trip to the offices on Broadway, which are just above the Charging Bull of Wall Street- wow!

So, placement excitement aside the past few weeks have flown by in a flurry of visa forms and interviews, meeting past interns and fellow New Yorker interns, lots of shopping and researching everything I want to do while away. The visa process was much easier than I anticipated, was in and out of the Belfast embassy within half an hour and I was amazed to be woken up two days later by the postman to sign for my visa! Last week I met up with Leanne who interned in NY two years ago who filled us in on more local knowledge of where to go, where to eat etc. It was also really good to catch up with Chris and Graeme (two of the three other interns who are also based in NYC) and share our expectations and excitement! I am however in the lucky position that my flatmate (also Claire) was offered a Saltire internship this summer in Berlin so it is fair to say that our flat has been filled with excitement, anticipation and questions for the last couple of months! Our biggest question yet has to be how on earth all the shopping we have been doing is going to fit into 23kg baggage allowance?!?

Anyway, I think I’ve rambled on enough but all that is left for me to say is just a hugggge thank you to the Saltire Foundation for making everything possible. Everyone I speak to about my internship is truly amazed by the opportunities offered which is only possible by the hard work done by this wonderful charity. And to all the other interns I hope you too have a fantastic summer. Just remember- “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground”

C x