Meet the team: Vivian Abraham, Marketing Intern

We had the pleasure of chatting with Vivian, our summer Marketing Intern who is a part of the Saltire Programme. Vivian shares her exciting experiences of the programme, offers valuable advice to those considering applying, and discusses what she hopes to gain from her time at Phlo and much more.

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‍Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to apply to become a Saltire Scholar?

I have a lot of hobbies and I like to mix things up by trying new activities and things. That's why I applied for Saltire - it's a great opportunity to get internships that go beyond my engineering programme. Plus, I get to learn new skills, see things from different angles and explore new interests. I was drawn to Saltire because they evaluate applicants based on their character and goals, rather than just their grades. It's nice to be seen as a whole person, not just a set of numbers.

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What advice would you give to other students who are considering applying for the Saltire Programme?

It's important to showcase your personality because what you believe is weird about yourself could actually make you stand out and be the ideal candidate. I suggest not giving up on seeking internship opportunities, even if you feel discouraged near the end of the application period. Your dream internship may still be available, and with fewer applicants, your chances of becoming a Saltire Scholar are greater.

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What are you most excited about during your time at Phlo and what do you hope to gain during your time here?

I am excited to try something new, like marketing, and to learn more about market research and how it influences product design. I believe this knowledge will be essential for my programme and will help me learn how to sell and position products in the market. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of marketing, market research and paid ads. Additionally, I hope to work on various projects in this area, collaborate with the team and improve my organisational and teamwork skills while experiencing the corporate world.

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What has been the most challenging aspect of your internship so far, and how have you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I face is maintaining focus during working hours, from 9 to 5. As a night owl, I typically feel more productive during the night, but this internship has helped me establish a regular sleep schedule and be more productive during the day. I have found that exercising during my lunch break boosts my energy and concentration for the remainder of the day.  

Initially, it was difficult for me to keep up with messages and emails from colleagues, and I used to take a long time to respond as I was anxious about the tone and formality of my responses. However, I learned to relax and focus on getting the message across efficiently. I am now confident in my ability to effectively communicate with the appropriate tone. Additionally, I have become skilled in contributing to meetings and making the most of opportunities to interact with others and learn more about the company.

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Has your time at Phlo been like you imagined, before you started your internship?

My experience has been great so far, exceeding my expectations. The work environment is fantastic, with an excellent work-life balance and high productivity levels. Communication is effective and constant, ensuring that everyone is aware of what's happening between teams in this fast-paced company. My internship has been a great learning experience, covering marketing, market research, copywriting, positioning, and social media, among other topics. I feel like my ideas and opinions are valued, and I'm making a genuine contribution to the company. The team is supportive and makes me feel comfortable, truly looking out for my best interests. I appreciate how the company is focused on its customers, prioritising patient care and satisfaction.

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What motivates you personally?

I love helping people and seeing projects through to completion. I would like to spread awareness about the benefits and potential risks of women's health products, ensuring that women feel genuinely comfortable, cared for, and supported by brands like Hello Eve. Making decisions about our health is difficult enough, and I hope to play a role in smoothing patients' experiences with their contraceptive choices.

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What do you enjoy doing when you're not working or studying?

I love painting and doing crafts. I've tried pretty much everything and enjoy creating or improving products. Before coming to Glasgow, I used to do figure skating and play the drums as well. Hanging out with friends and doing activities with them, or simply chatting, also brings me joy. On Sundays, I like to relax and watch TV or read a romantic book. And if I have several days off, you can bet I'll be planning a trip to visit somewhere new.

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Interested in learning more about the Saltire Programme? Check out their website for more information.