Sorry this blog is well overdue; everything has been so hectic since the plane touched down in Glasgow!
 
The last week in Boston didn’t disappoint. Amongst some last minute shopping, we had our final dinner with all the other Bostonian Saltire interns to reflect on our summer together. We all had had such different experiences and throughout the summer we have learnt so much from each other comparing these experiences. The final farewells at work were very sad but also very nice. We had lunch with our GlobalScot Helen Sayles to discuss what we had learnt over the summer. It felt much more relaxed than our first meeting which I think marked how our confidence had grown throughout the weeks. My department were extremely kind and really made my last day very memorable. I was taken out to lunch, bought a cake and given a very kind gift, a silver brooch depicting the swan boats, a signature of Boston. I will definitely treasure it forever and it will remind me of the amazing summer I had in 2010. 
  
When I reflect on my 8 weeks in Boston I still can’t quite believe the opportunities I have had, the things I have experienced and witnessed in such a short space of time. I have had an insight into the internal affairs of a corporate business and had the rare opportunity of seeing successful, driven people conduct business on a day to day basis. From the moment I started at Liberty Mutual I felt welcome, even though I was only a ‘wee’ intern I was treated with respect. I had the best manager I could have ever asked for and felt comfortable asking him any questions. I was given responsibility like any other normal employee and the project I was working on formed an integral part of the overall strategic analysis being undertaken in the department. I learnt so much and have been given a great deal of invaluable advice that I will definitely take into account when I start my career.

Always do something you love, the money will come.

Always do your best at everything you do as you don’t know when and what sort of opportunity will present itself.
 

It really is hard to sum up my experience this summer in a short blog. I had an unbelievable summer and cannot thank the Saltire Foundation and Helen Sayles enough for the invaluable experience they have given me. I absolutely loved every minute of it and there was never a spare moment when I wasn’t learning something new. I have made so many new friends and contacts and feel now I have the confidence to take advantage of the many opportunities out there and reach my potential.

 Thank you Saltire for everything you have done and I hope to give something back in the near future.

 Camilla xxx