After countless interviews, hundreds of re-edits and becoming the accounts department most hated intern, I finally submitted my report for oracle finance, coming in at a cool 22 pages. Packed full with flowchart breakdowns and streamlining recommendations, I think it may have JK Rowling looking over her shoulder for most exciting read.
The 3 week rotation in Oracle finance has enlightened me to the fact that I no longer want to work in finance. Now, ill stop you before you start thinking this is a complaint, far from it.
One of the main reasons I applied for the Saltire foundation and the Wood group was to try and figure out my future and what I want to do. I have come to the conclusion that I don’t want to spend my time analyzing money and how it can be better invested or organized. I think that this is where the true value of the Saltire/Wood group internship emerges, though I still am yet to figure out what I truly want to do, I now have narrowed down my choices considerably. This not only looks good on the old CV but helps me to be more precise with my choices in relation to my future over the coming months.
The third week in Houston has been hugely eventful. On Monday and Tuesday night I went out for Drinks at Houston’s city centre. City Centre is a small square in the middle of all the freeways designed to be like a European city centre. Probably the closest I will get to enjoying a relaxed drink like back in Glasgow. On Wednesday we met up with some American interns from Cameron International. It was refreshing to meet new people and get some tips about how we can take full advantage of our time over here.
This weekend we headed out to San Antonio. Famous for the Alamo(a war museum) the Riverwalk, and Six Flags (theme park).
I found this trip highlighted some of the ‘Saltire intern’ qualities that we all had to demonstrate in order to get these internships.
First quality – Leadership
Whilst queuing for a 4 person donut water slide at Six flags, a rather plump kid started getting a bit hysterical and refusing to get on the donut. Lucky for him he had 7 Saltire interns to give him encouragement. After some motivational chanting he tentatively climbed onto his donut. 30 seconds (and a cringefully girly scream) later his ordeal was over, but now a braver kid then before. He may be president one day.
Saltire 1 – American obesity 0
Second Quality – Perseverance
After a quick Google search to find the best clubs in San Antonio we headed to ‘Rive’. Little did we know Rive had now become Taboo… A softcore strip bar with no air conditioning. This Saltire quality is directed mainly at the girls who stayed the whole night and were pulling off crazy dance moves [read - sprinker, lawnmower, limbo, big fish little fish cardboard box] that the strippers would be jealous of!
Saltire 1 – Uncomfortably sleazy club 0
As mentioned in last week’s blog, a few of us interns have planned a trip to Las Vegas from 19th -21st August. We have booked a hotel, 5* Trump towers, and have 1 spare bed for 25 quid a night. First come first served if you fancy it…
Also if anyone from Saltire/ Trump organization is reading this post and you have contact with the big man himself, could you enquire about a cheeky upgrade? I hear the penthouse is nice this time of year…
Everyone sounds like they are having an amazing time and making the most of this unique and awesome opportunity!
Thanks for reading
Jack