What and where did you study before your Mountbatten internship?
University of Paisley Scotland, Bachelors in Business and Marketing

What made you apply for the Mountbatten program?
I met a girl while working for the College of Building and Printing, Sharon Hendry who was about to leave for the New York May 1999 intake. She told me about the program and I decided to look for more information about it. I had a friend working in New York and I wanted to do the same. This was the ideal opportunity for me.

Describe your sponsor company and your role within it.
I worked for a company called Earth2Mars, who were a video editing facility in mid-town, near the Flat Iron Building. The company had around 35 staff and edited commercials. I was brought in as Front of House/Receptionist. It was my first time working in Video Editing and I loved it. The creative atmosphere, fun personalities and more relaxed working environment was all really new to me. During my time there I started to pick up more duties, such as cold calling Advertising Agencies for new business, they also let me curate their client hang out space with local art – we would have mini gallery openings where the artist would invite some friends and we would invite people from the Ad Agency world to come in for little art exhibitions.

What was the highlight/most memorable moment of your working experience during this year?
The year went by so fast, and was so much fun, it is hard to pick just one moment, but I think Christmas was likely the most memorable. I stayed in New York for Christmas and between Christmas Parties, the atmosphere of New York at this time of year, and being with my new friends, it was just magical.

What was the social highlight/most memorable moment during this year?
We would plan getaways on the weekends to explore other parts of the USA. We travelled up to Boston, Philadelphia and out to the Hamptons.

It was great to have these little trips, with friends.

Please share a little wisdom/philosophy that you acquired during your internship
This internship really opened doors for me, it kick started a career in Video Production which I had never imagined. My experience working for Earth2Mars meant that I had experience working in the media. On my return to Scotland I worked for a Video Production company called Serious Facilities as a Facility Manager and then moved to London where I worked for a Film Sound Post Production company that made movies. I finally moved to The Mill, a prestigious VFX Company. My first job with Earth2Mars and the International Business Certificate I gained from Mountbatten really stood out on my resume and definitely set my applications apart when job hunting back in the UK.

Upon reflection, what do you consider has been the biggest impact of your Mountbatten year?
Working in the USA, my internship was the first time I had ever travelled to the USA. It gave me confidence that I could work in a different country, immerse myself in a new culture and make new friends and work colleagues. I learned how to manage my money as I had not lived on my own before, it helped develop my independence.

What happened after completing the year – what did you do next?
I returned to Glasgow and worked for a Video Production company for a few years then I moved to London and worked there for 9 years.

Where are you now in your working life and what do you do?
I had always wanted to return to the USA and working with the Mill VFX Company in London meant I was given the opportunity to work in Chicago and help to set up their new offices. I stayed with The Mill for 15 years before they closed the Chicago office.

I now live in West Virginia, and I operate a Glamping Campground in the Mountains and I run my own Recruitment Business on the side where I find talent for the Video Production and VFX/Advertising industry.

Do you have any future plans that you would like to realise & what are they (career & social)? 

I would like to work with Youth, as a Career Advisor, as I like to help young people find opportunities for work.  I am passionate about the creative industries, as there are so many great occupations that Schools don’t necessarily tell you about when you are thinking about college.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I was in New York during 9/11, it was a very scary time and one I shall never forget.

Is there any other information that you would like to be included?
If anyone needs any recruitment help or advice then my email is colette@tartantalentacquisition.com.