Small or Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are organisations that employ fewer than 250 people with an annual turnover of less than £39m. SMEs are the engine of the UK economy, and an essential source of entrepreneurial skills and innovation. SMEs are also an important growth area for graduate recruitment, contributing 47% to private sector employment. New and upcoming businesses tend to be SMEs and they span almost all industries. The sectors traditionally taking advantage of graduate employment are the financial, manufacturing, media and IT sectors, although with the right approach, you can find opportunities in many industries.
Why work for a small business? · Your input is valued – as part of a smaller business, your contribution is important and will be recognised. · Lots of variety – you’ll be exposed to the day-to-day running of the business, allowing you to gain experience in lots of business functions. · Contact with senior leaders – you can build a good relationship with senior colleagues and establish a good reputation for yourself as a member of the team. · Quick progression – for those who show their potential.
Finding jobs in SMEs.
Search Careers Online for vacancies, such as Tax Executive at Haslers, Graduate Recruitment Consultant at EMEA Recruitment, as well as other job boards like Prospects, Targetjobs and Indeed.
Use Lboro Connect and LinkedIn to network – attend the Linkedin presentation and workshop to learn more about how to do this.
Read The Sunday Times’ Best 100 companies to research more about working for SMEs.
Send a targeted speculative letter and CV directly – attend the CV & Cover letter presentation for help on how to do this.
Can postgraduate study help you with finding employment in an SME? The Independent have written a useful article, with practical considerations. Prospects and Jobs.ac.uk are excellent resources for finding postgraduate opportunities.
