My 8 week Internship at FinTech Scotland
Between August-September 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at FinTech Scotland. Coming into the internship with limited knowledge of fintech, I was eager yet nervous about diving into an unfamiliar industry. However, my time at FinTech Scotland provided me with not only a deep dive into the world of financial technology but also significant personal and professional development. From day one, I was welcomed warmly by the team, who were genuinely interested in my learning and supported me as I navigated my role. It was clear that FinTech Scotland’s success lies in the strength of its community and the supportive culture that fosters growth. The team’s encouragement and readiness to share knowledge made it easy for me to step into my role and tackle my responsibilities with confidence.
My role involved several key responsibilities which were both challenging and engaging. I conducted proactive data research and analysis, ensuring that the information about the Fintech Scotland community was always up-to-date and accurate. This was crucial, as Fintech Scotland is at the centre of a dynamic and fast-growing ecosystem, and having precise data is essential to effectively track growth and change within the cluster. This work gave me a solid understanding of the importance of data accuracy and its direct impact on decision-making and strategic planning.
Another significant aspect of my internship was producing Management Information reports. These reports captured the current state of the fintech cluster, highlighting growth, key changes and the impact of major initiatives. This helped me enhance my skills in data analysis and reporting, but more importantly it taught me how to synthesize complex information into actionable insights that could be easily communicated to stakeholders.
I was also given ownership of internal processes including maintaining databases and mapping the company Google Drive in preparation for its reogranisation. Under the guidance of the COO, I supported the team on the delivery of initiatives from the FinTech Research & Innovation Roadmap, which outlines FinTech Scotland's strategic plan for developing and supporting the sector. This included managing data research, stakeholder communication and engagement, and improving internal processes. Contributing to these strategic initiatives was incredibly rewarding, as I felt my work directly supported the growth of the fintech ecosystem in Scotland and improved the operational efficiency of the organisation.
Reflecting on my time at FinTech Scotland, I can confidently say that the internship was a period of substantial learning and growth. Despite my initial lack of fintech knowledge, I was continuously supported and given valuable opportunities to succeed, including attending industry events with the team which expanded my professional network and enhanced my confidence in networking. This experience honed my analytical and communication skills, deepened my understanding of managing a community-driven organisation, and highlighted the power of collaboration in the fintech sector. I am grateful to have been a part of such an incredible team of people and I now feel more prepared for the professional world and equipped to adapt to new challenges. The skills and knowledge I gained have undoubtedly shaped my career aspirations, and I am excited to see where they will take me next.
Alicja Balanda is a final year University of Edinburgh studying business with enterprise and innovation.
