Apologies for the delay, been meaning to publish this blog for ages but life has been just as hectic back in Scotland!

And so the curtain has finally fallen on eight tremendous weeks in NYC! Our final week was as busy as ever, involving a trip to Flushing Meadows to watch Nadal at the US Tennis Open; a night out with the Lab49ers; and taking my final jump off the Hudson Platform at the trapeze school. Our concluding night saw the fantastic four take a trip to Union Square for a lovely meal then onto a rooftop bar for some champagne and a terrific view of the Empire State building- what better way to conclude the most amazing summer!?

At work, the last week was spent putting the final touches to the global marketing strategy and plan. Friday afternoon soon arrived and it was time for Chris and I to unveil the first draft of the first ever marketing plan for the company. I have a feeling that our final presentation might have been a bit different to that of many other interns- involving an ipad, some beer and a view of the Statue of Liberty! A pretty standard Friday afternoon in the office for a lot of the 49er’s but for me a memory that might just stay with me forever! It is great to think that we have delivered something of value to the company; something completely unique and something that will help the business grow and progress. When I have told people I have been interning at Lab49, I am normally met with a blank look and the questions “Who? What do they do?” Hopefully, in the coming years, if our strategy works then the reaction will change to “Oh yeah, they’re that company that build really cool, advanced technology applications for financial services!!”

And so in a flurry of stand ups, scrum masters, clouds, decks, ipad demos and exotic options our time at Lab49 drew to a close. Our fellow colleagues were great at offering their parting advice and providing us with their contact details, offering ongoing support and help once we’ve return home.  I am so glad I was lucky enough to have been placed in such a unique company. Lab49 has a very distinctive personality (it’s hard to put words to but it’s definitely something special). Something also has to be said about the rigorous recruitment process I have witnessed, as the quality of people working here truly sets them apart. I guess this is where their reputation plays a huge part- they are only as good as their last project so they need people who can deliver. An extra huge benefit of working within such a small company was the exposure I received to the full business operations. I saw client management happen in real time; listened to the founders and MD’s of the company discussing new project deals; and seeing how new project teams are formed, managed and coordinated. Another thing I admire about the culture at Lab49 is their desire to always challenge themselves. They are always looking to push the boundaries of what is being developed and be at the leading edge of new technologies, learning new skills and always questioning if what they are doing is right. There have been so many conversations over these eight weeks that I wish I could have recorded, as they were like ‘light bulb moments’ when your eyes are finally opened to something new!

I can proudly say as the first ever intern to have walked through the doors of Lab49, it’s been terrific J

Finally, I think a few thanks are in order:

To the Saltire Foundation- the opportunities you provide are unparalleled. The last time I was in New York in 2007 sitting on Wall Street, never would I have imagined that 3 years down the line this is where I would be living and working. All the effort that must go on behind the scenes to make everything possible has made this a truly unique experience for all the interns. I hope you keep up the good work and I look forward to giving something back.

All the Lab49ers- you made us feel so welcome and always had so much advice to offer whether it be about work, careers or sights to see and places to eat (Ethiopian cuisine is definitely a new favourite). Special thanks must go out to Ross- for making all this possible and giving me this opportunity, for giving up your time to always answer any questions and offer us invaluable advice, for showing me another side of NYC and opening my eyes to all the opportunities that are out there. I can safely say you exceeded your objective!

Chris, Matt, Graeme, Graham, Aiden and all the Boston interns, this journey wouldn’t have been half as eventful or enjoyable without you! ‘Tis been a pleasure and I know that these friendships will go beyond these eight fabulous weeks!

Bret, Randy and Jason at the trapeze school- all the bruises, pulled muscles and crushed ribs were well worth it, you taught me so much and ensured I returned home in one piece. I’ll be back to fly again one day!

If we can make it here, we can make it anywhere J

C x