Why graduates should give small businesses a chance

Don’t get lured into the trap, sometimes SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) can offer far more than a large corporation. Here’s why…

A CV brimming with work experience from big corporate household names, that’s the dream, right?

Maybe for some, but it’s the quality of the experience that counts, and when it comes to demonstrating your skillset and achievements to recruiters, working with Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can often bear sweeter fruit!

Here are six advantages of working in SMEs that can help you speed along your career path.

Personal Impact

Small enterprises genuinely value your contribution and offer greater opportunities to really make a difference, giving you that all-important tangible evidence of your skills for future employers. You will often be the only representative of your age group and your unique perspective will be an asset to them. Plus, in a less hierarchical structure, your achievements are more likely to be recognised throughout the organisation, not just within your department.

“One of the best parts about working for a start-up is that you feel very appreciated and part of the team, as the work you’re doing makes a big difference.” — Student Testimony

Independence and Trust

In smaller, all-hands-on-deck business cultures, there is less time for micromanagement and you can expect greater ownership of your work and encouragement to challenge yourself and take initiative. This level of autonomy enables you to develop unexpected capabilities and achievements, and the confidence to follow your instincts.

Variety and Flexibility

For small business employers, every skill counts and they will be keen to optimise your talents and strengths. SME roles tend to be less structured and prescriptive, so they are easily shaped around your existing skills and those you are keen to develop, as well as being upskilled in other areas to meet the business need.

“I had a great experience involving many different tasks. They ensured I was actually learning and developing professionally rather than just doing odd jobs.” _ Student Testimony

Innovation and Agility

A perfect pairing and key differentiators in the battle of small vs big. For large corporates, transformational change is expensive and reputationally risky. Small businesses, on the other hand, are more intrepid: they can experiment, make fast decisions, mobilise rapidly and change course nimbly if needed. This gives you scope to pitch your ideas and run with them, and the support to adapt and flex your plans, overcome challenges and learn as you go.

“I was able to change the way in which the business tracked success through my research, and I have also been able to input my ideas into how things are done.” — Student Testimony

Relationship-focused

In the flatter structure of a small business, you will work with staff at every level — this is invaluable experience in itself, but will also help you to develop a strong professional network. In addition, while larger organisations employ sophisticated systems to manage their customer or service user interactions, small businesses are better positioned to provide individualised focus and be responsive to feedback, which teaches you more about developing relationships and building brand loyalty.

Commercial Awareness

Demonstrating your understanding of how business functions inter-relate is highly prized by graduate recruiters and a distinguishing factor in your job quest. In a larger firm, your hands-on experience is likely to be limited to your specific department, so your understanding of organisational dynamics is far more limited. But, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with senior colleagues in a small enterprise offers deeper, first-hand insight into the context of your role within the business and the wider sector.

“It has been really rewarding to be a part of a small team as I have been really integrated into the business and the decisions that have taken place. I was given a chance to voice my own opinions and make decisions about what the business is doing and I feel as if I am making an impact.” — Student Testimony

SMEs represent a significant proportion of the ‘hidden jobs market’ — that fabled 70–80% of jobs that are not advertised. With low recruitment budgets, they are more responsive to speculative applications, personal recommendations, and non-traditional recruitment methods such as LinkedIn. They are also often overlooked by graduates in favour of structured recruitment schemes.

Working for a small organisation can dramatically accelerate your professional skills, network and reputation. In a tough graduate jobs market, it’s worth considering ways you make your own luck. Setting out your stall to SMEs could be a great place to start!