Kitty Gordon

2011 Saltire Scholar, Robert Gordon University

Monsanto

The Saltire Foundation is Scotland's unique internship programme which offers full-time third year University students of all educational backgrounds the opportunity to gain paid experience in some of the world's most successful companies. Kitty Gordon, a mature student at RGU in Aberdeen, is the perfect example of this commitment. Having recently returned from an 8-week Corporate Communications internship at Monsanto (Forbes' Magazine 2010 company of the year) in the US, Kitty is back studying for her honours degree in Scotland. The only difference is that now she has new skills, new confidence, a new network of contacts in both Scotland and the USA and a recommendation from her manager which says she "exceeded all high expectations". We caught up with Kitty so that she can tell you a bit more about her experiences:

Tell us a bit about your background...

I am from Aberdeen, and study Communications & PR at The Robert Gordon University. I am a direct entry student, having gone straight into 3^rd year from Aberdeen College's Communication with Media HND.

How did you hear about the Foundation and how were the interview stages?

A friend told me about the Foundation having been invited by her university to the information sessions in Edinburgh. The speed interviews were terrifying, but exhilarating, and overall a fantastic experience that gave me confidence in my ability to succeed in the application process. I was somewhat dumbfounded when I heard I'd made it through, but incredibly excited, and immediately bought a travel guide for St Louis!!

Tell us a bit about your internship...

The corporate communications internship allowed me to develop skills in several areas including E-comms, global marketing, internal communications and international interaction to name a few.

I had the good fortune of working as part of a large international team with Monsanto's Vegetable Seeds division, helping with the global re-branding of two of their products. This was a fantastic opportunity to contribute as a valued member of a team, weighing in on decisions affecting brand aesthetics, content and user identification. It was fascinating to learn the intricacies of grand scale international planning and to be a part of the process. The attention to detail is phenomenal.

The opportunity to work on individual projects during my time at Monsanto was indicative of the expectations that the Saltire Foundation, and Monsanto's Corporate Marketing and Communications department have of their interns. You are entrusted with representing yourself, Saltire and Scotland, and fully expected to succeed as a member of the team.

During my time at Monsanto I was fortunate enough to be present in training sessions that incorporated video materials I had created in an individual project. It was immensely satisfying to know that the work was valued and that I was able to contribute during my brief eight weeks.

Heading for my final year of education, it's a welcome reminder that details make the difference between presenting something that is good, and presenting something that resonates with your audience and represents all you are capable of.

What did your Saltire Foundation experience mean to you?

The Saltire Foundation experience has been infinitely valuable. Eight weeks as a Corporate Communications intern at Monsanto Company has provided lessons on how I can contribute in the workplace as an individual and as part of a team. More so, it has been fantastic for my confidence and has instilled in me a greater sense of self belief and drive to succeed.

What was the main benefit of completing your internship?

Standing in front of the attendees for my final presentation, among them two representatives from one of the largest communication companies in the world, it hit home that we were immersed in the experience completely. You are not "just an intern", but a valued member of the company with whom you are working. As the weeks go by, you learn to trust in your abilities, soak up every piece of information or advice that is proffered and grab every opportunity you are given.

The people you meet and learn from, and the lasting network you create has huge potential for the future. Having international experience at this stage in your career is incredibly valuable, and is a fantastic feather to have in your cap when looking towards interviews at the end of fourth year.

And lastly, what are your plans for the future?

Ideally I would like to work in the field of corporate social responsibility. An area of interest already, my time at Monsanto confirmed my desire to explore the potential of CSR and the growth of the area in all sectors.

Above: Kitty & Rory at the Budwieswer Brewery in St Louis

Below: Major League Baseball at Busch Stadium watching the 2011 World Champions - The St Louis Cardinals!