Andrew McFarlan

As a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, I will be graduating in June 2009 with an MA in International Relations.


During the summer of 2008, I was lucky enough to take part in the Saltire Foundation internship programme, working with the Illinois St Andrew Society in Chicago, Illinois. In this time, I was able to conduct my own project in strategic research and deliver findings to the Board of Governors of the Society, as well as at the North American Leadership Conference in Chicago, October 2008.

I currently represent the Saltire Foundation as the President of the Alumni Association 2009-2010. During this time, I intend to organise a number of business events, with particular emphasis on facilitating strong relationships between the Saltire Foundation interns of 2009 and the wider Scottish-affiliated business community.

The alumni association will maintain a strong relationship between the Saltire Foundation and its past and present members. The first meeting among the undergraduate interns will take place on 27 May 2009, after which a more detailed plan will be outlined. In particular, the association will pay strong attention to the following three aspects: First, further showcasing the interns to business leaders post-internship through the alumni website and networking events. Second, raising the profile of the Saltire Foundation through high-calibre events and opportunity-seeking. Third and finally, the alumni association will focus on creating sustainable funding for the Saltire Foundation's future by facilitating strong relationships with existing and potential donors.

I intend in the future to work in the field of diplomacy, with a strong desire to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). I plan to work in Melbourne from July to November 2009, before returning to the UK to re-enter the job market in December 2009.