Saints Sport internship: Cameron Black
Cameron Black shares his experiences of his internship at the University of St Andrews Saints Sport.
My story: Cameron Black
- Course: Earth and Environmental Science
- Year of study when you completed this internship: 4th year
- Internship: University of St Andrews, Saints Sport
Why did you apply for the internship? What were you hoping to gain?
I applied as I had been very involved in golf throughout my university life and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn more about how a golf event is run. I thought I had a good background to help produce an event that the players would enjoy.
Tell us about your internship, where was it and what did you do (what kind of roles/tasks etc)?
The internship was with Saints Sport and involved putting on the Boyd Quaich memorial golf tournament. My tasks varied greatly. They included but were not limited to: Preparing entries, Producing teetimes and pre competition information, checking players in at the start of the week, taking scorecards, and hearing players thoughts on the event.
What were the best bits, what did you enjoy most and and what are the key memorable experiences you will take from the internship?
I think the standout memory was being a part of the prizegiving at Forgan House and seeing all of the players after they had completed their tournament. I enjoyed doing the scoring and chatting to the guys after they had finished their round and hearing the stories that they had created that day.
What skills did learn and how did you put them into practice during the internship?
Firstly, working independently and as a team was of signifcant importance due to the various nature of tasks assigned. Communication was also key in this role as I found that I built a rapport with the players over the week as I was the primarty face that they saw at the conclusion of each round. Since I managed this successfully, it ameliorated the experience of the players who felt at ease throughout the day. Finally, organisation was by far the biggest thing that was utilised throughout the week. Staying up to date with emails and Teams calls, allowed the event to be run without a hitch. The team work displayed and the work ethic we put in meant that solutions were found for any issue that arose.
What is next for you in your career journey?
I am moving to Edinburgh to pursue a career in Environmental Consultancy. I will begin my career with Sweco as a Geo-Environmental Consultant. This role will have me working in the sustainable construction industry.
What would you say to someone considering signing up for an internship at the University of St Andrews?
This is now my 3rd internship with the University of St Andrews and all three have been very varied and exciting opportunities. I would encourage anyone to participate, as it is a great way to develop career relevant skills that will make you a very employable candidate. It is a great way to meet new people, who are always happy to share their knowledge with you.