During the current academic year, the Careers Service at the University of Bristol are running a new series of events: Small Business, Big Opportunity (SBBO).
This series will feature panels, employer presentations and events designed to help you explore the unique opportunities that working for a smaller business can offer.
Here are 5 reasons working for a small and medium size enterprise (SME) could be the best fit for you:
- Broad responsibilities and skill
In a smaller organisation employees often wear multiple ‘hats’ and take on a variety of different roles and tasks. This not only offers a hands-on approach but also the unique opportunity to try out different areas of the business to get a feel for what interests you most. As a result, you develop a broad range of skills at a quicker pace.
- Strong interpersonal connections
SMEs usually have teams that work very closely together due to the lower number of employees working at the organisation. This allows you to really get to know your coworkers professionally and personally, providing you with a support network that can boost your career growth.
- Direct access to leadership and mentorship
In smaller organisations, employees tend to work more closely with the senior leadership team including the founder of the company. This direct access can provide you with insight and exposure into what it takes to run an organisation and allows you to gain more personalised feedback and mentorship.
- Hitting the ground running
Because SMEs are more agile and tend to develop at a quicker pace than some larger organisations, there is often more room and opportunity for you to get stuck into important tasks from day one and directly see what impact you are having on the business. This can be a powerful driver for career development.
- Career progression
Although the starting salary for an SME may be lower than that of a larger organisation, the experience, connections, and skills that you acquire can fast-track your career. You could find yourself in a more senior role quicker than you may expect or even be equipped to start your own business.
How can I connect with SMEs?
Come along to the Employer Showcase where we will be hosting our new Small Business, Big Opportunity stand.
Careers Service staff will be there to talk to you about what events you can get involved in and how to network with SMEs.
You can also apply for our SME Internship Scheme, find out more on our website.