“Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make up a large proportion of the UK’s economy and account for approximately 30% of graduate employment” (AGCAS, 2022),
Finding and applying for work experience, including internships, or graduate roles, in SMEs can be different to schemes with larger employers. In April 2024, the Careers Service invited three professionals, who work in scientific SMEs, to share their advice:
- Dr Mark Benizett, VetIMD – Pioneering isothermal molecular diagnostics solutions for the animal health sector
- Dr Clio Andreae, GenomeKey – Biotechnology using cutting edge machine learning and DNA sequencing to treat Sepsis
- Dr Ed Jones, Kelpi – World-leading sustainable materials innovation business – harnessing the properties of seaweed to create compostable, marine-safe, low-carbon bioplastic packaging
Is working in a scientific SME different to working for a larger organisation?
Working for a scientific SME can mean that you work on a project from beginning to end and have the flexibility to develop your own ideas. In this sense, it can feel more like academic research. This means that you may be asked to take on multiple roles for the project and be expected to work independently, with less people to rely on for advice (although there is support!). In larger organisations, different parts of a project are typically assigned to different people enabling more defined responsibilities.
In addition to this variety, you will likely get to know everyone in the company – including those in different teams and in senior positions. This can be excellent for exploring other roles/tasks which may interest you plus a great opportunity to network.
How do I know if it’s the right thing for me?
As with all roles you should research if the opportunity sound like a good fit for what you are looking for. Evaluate the risks (e.g. job stability, pay) against the gains (e.g. flexibility in projects, potential share options) and research the work environment and company expectations.
Internships are a great way to experience working in a SME and to decide if the company is what you are looking for (find out more about opportunities via the SME Internship scheme and read about the experiences of University of Bristol students). Students should remember that they “don’t need to be a typical scientist to be good at working in a SME”; these opportunities are not only for students on track to achieve top marks and/or have research experience.
The panel emphasised the normality of changing careers once you start working advising that it’s “never too late to change career directions” and “don’t worry about making the wrong choice”. This is true whether working for a large organisation or a SME.
Sounds like something I’d like to give a go, what’s next?
Finding opportunities in scientific SMEs
For scientific SMEs local to Bristol, the panel recommended looking at the list of companies based at science hubs such as ScienceCreates and Bristol & Bath Science Park. Those who want or need to work in a different location should look for science hubs in that area.
Networking plays a key role in finding opportunities in SMEs, with the panel recommending that students talk to people at conferences and speak to academics about what they are interested in (you never know who knows someone who works in a sector you are interested in!). The Careers Service recommends looking for networking events on meet up, ScienceCreates, Bristol and Bath Science Park, Green Mingle and register for the start-up drinks held by the Careers Service (via mycareer).
LinkedIn also provides a great opportunity to contact people who work in organisations to request a conversation (this is networking!) about their work. The Careers Service has resources on where to look to find potential opportunities and how to make a speculative application, both of which will be valuable when looking for opportunities in scientific SMEs.
Opportunities can also be found via specialised recruitment agencies (usually for very specialised roles). Many recruitment agencies exist and students will be able to find some via a Google search for “scientific recruitment agencies UK” to identify those most relevant to what they are looking for.
How can I stand out during the recruitment process?
When applying for an opportunity in an SME, ensure that you show your passion for the job. Many people who work for the company have been involved in it since it was started (they could even be the founder). They want to recruit people who genuinely care about what they do.
Be memorable by being friendly and personable, this is even more important in a small company as you will be working very closely with your colleagues!
Having confidence in yourself and being willing to talk to employers is important (hopefully you will have already demonstrated this during your networking) with the panel reminding students that an interview is a two-way selection (you as the student should also be determining if you want to work for this company).
Finally, as with all student and graduate recruitment, write an application (many SMEs still ask for CVs and cover letters) that sells your skills (see our guide on CV, cover letter, and applications for tips).
Good luck!