Students join team at GCU’s Fair Fashion Center in New York

Saltire Scholars Hanna and Rebecca in New York

Two Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) students are taking a bite of the Big Apple this summer after being selected by Entrepreneurial Scotland’s Saltire Programme.

Hanna Burns and Rebecca Brown are interning at GCU’s Manhattan campus - Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC). The programme is funded through the Saltire Foundation, the charitable arm of Entrepreneurial Scotland which aims to spark the next generation of business leaders in Scotland.

Rebecca and Hanna are studying International Fashion Branding and are interning as research assistants at GCNYC’s Fair Fashion Center, a research centre exploring sustainability in the global industry.

Cara Smyth, GCNYC Vice President, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hanna and Rebecca to the team this summer. Working in the heart of downtown Manhattan, they can experience first-hand the global metropolis that is New York City – immersing themselves in diverse social and cultural experiences on a daily basis. Moreover, they have the unique opportunity to learn and work alongside our team in the areas of fair fashion and profitable sustainability at GCNYC, the first foreign accredited university in New York. We hope that they may build upon what they learn here with us, and wish them great success in their future endeavours at GCU.”

Rebecca said: “I have been able to blend my twin passions, fashion and combatting climate change, in this incredible opportunity to intern at The Fair Fashion Center. It will hone my research skills for my final year of studies and give me so much industry experience before I enter the competitive graduate job market next year and, of course, it’s a dream come true to be living and working in a fabulous city that’s at the heart of fashion.”

Hanna said: “I’m thrilled to have this amazing chance to live and work in fashion-forward New York. Gaining experience in a real, dynamic working environment, learning from industry experts, and helping prove the business case for sustainability is an incredibly exciting prospect that I’m so proud to be part of. It builds on everything I have learned on my programme and will be invaluable in helping me secure a job in a competitive industry. Both Rebecca and I are very grateful to the Saltire Foundation.”