This summer, iGii welcomed Josh and Arisya to the team for 12 weeks as part of the Saltire Scholars Programme, run by Entrepreneurial Scotland.
The programme gives university students the opportunity to gain experience within ambitious organisations, take on meaningful work and learn from the people around them.
As their time with iGii came to an end, we asked Josh and Arisya to reflect on their experience — what surprised them, what they learned and what they’ll take away with them.
Starting something of your own
For Josh, one of the highlights was the opportunity to take ownership and build something from the ground up.
“At Uni you don’t really get the chance to start something from the beginning. I’ve had something to build upon and be able to say it’s my own.”
For Arisya, a favourite memory was a visit to Scion House with Jo and Eileen. As well as being a chance to spend time with different members of the team, the visit gave her a broader view of iGii — seeing more of the manufacturing side of the business and how the work she had been involved in fitted into the bigger picture.
Different answers, but perhaps a good reflection of the internship experience itself — a combination of responsibility, learning, new experiences and becoming part of the wider team.
What surprised them about iGii?
For Josh, it was how much people genuinely believe in what they’re building.
“I feel that everyone here believes in the product. The scientists are really enthusiastic about it. People are passionate about the impact Gii will have in the future.”
Arisya wasn’t quite sure what to expect before arriving at iGii, having heard mostly about internships within much larger companies.
“What surprised me the most was how chill the office environment is and how approachable everyone was at iGii.”
When we asked what iGii does particularly well that we might take for granted, their answers had a common theme.
Josh highlighted how willing people are to share their knowledge and help when someone needs it. Arisya picked out how proactive and collaborative people are, and the fact that everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas regardless of their background.
Asking questions is encouraged
Some of the most useful lessons from 12 weeks in a working environment aren’t necessarily the ones you expect.
Josh’s best piece of advice was simple: it’s always alright to ask for help when you need it.
Arisya received similar advice from Tom.
“If I’m ever feeling stuck, I shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to people, even if they don’t seem directly related to the project, because you never really know who might come up with a useful idea.”
It’s something she says she’ll carry forward with her.
She also came away with a new appreciation for professional communication and the difference that good questions, sharing ideas and building relationships can make.
For Josh, the internship brought the opportunity to develop new practical skills, including experience with Power BI and Power Automate.
How would they describe iGii?
Asked how they would describe the people and culture to someone considering working here, Josh chose inclusivity.
“Everyone has been really inclusive. I’ve never felt out of place. People are always enthusiastic to talk about what they’re doing.”
For Arisya, the word was diversity — not only of backgrounds and cultures, but of expertise.
She recalled arriving at one of her first meetings with no idea what a microheater was. Rather than leaving her to figure it out, Olly and Michelle took the time to explain it, give her a demonstration and show her examples from the lab.
“Moments like that showed me how supportive people are here at iGii.”
And if they were CEO for the day?
Naturally, we asked the important questions too.
Josh would send himself on a work trip somewhere in Asia — ideally to a “conference” lasting a few weeks.
Arisya would introduce vending machines on every floor and organise a company trip somewhere a little sunnier.
We’ll leave both suggestions with the management team.
A little piece of Gii to take away
After 12 weeks at iGii, we wanted Josh and Arisya to leave with something that represented their time with us.
Each was presented with a framed portrait created using Gii — their own image captured in the material they’ve spent the summer surrounded by.
Their reflections also gave us something in return: the opportunity to see iGii through two completely fresh sets of eyes.
Sometimes the things people notice when they first join a business are the things those of us here every day can easily take for granted — people willing to share what they know, the freedom to ask questions, different perspectives being welcomed and a genuine enthusiasm for what we’re building together.
Jean-Christophe Granier, CEO of iGii, said:
“An internship should give someone more than experience; it should give them the trust and opportunity to make a real contribution. During their 12 weeks as Saltire Scholars, Josh and Arisya did exactly that — bringing curiosity, fresh thinking and ownership to their work and becoming valued members of the iGii team. Their reflections also reminded us how much the everyday things matter: sharing what we know, welcoming different perspectives and helping one another succeed. I’m proud of what they achieved during their time at iGii and excited to see what they do next.”
Thank you, Josh and Arisya, for everything you’ve brought to iGii over the past 12 weeks.
We wish you both every success in whatever comes next.