Hi, I’m Izzie, Software Developer at Ghyston.
For many graduates, the path feels mapped out: school, university, perhaps further study, and then straight into a grad scheme at a large organisation. That is the “safe” option, right? But my own journey showed me how rewarding it can be to take a different route, and why working for a small or medium-sized business (SME) can open doors you might not expect.
After completing an integrated Masters in Chemistry at the University of Bristol, I started a PhD. I thought I was on the right track, but the experience left me anxious and uncertain. It was a difficult decision to step away, but it also gave me the chance to rethink what I really wanted from my career.
That is when I came across Ghyston, a Bristol-based SME specialising in software development. I didn’t have a background in coding, and tech isn’t always seen as the most accessible industry for women. But Ghyston’s internship programme encouraged applications from people with different skill sets and experiences. That openness is one of the real strengths of an SME. They value potential and attitude as much as formal credentials.
From the very start, the experience felt different. Within two weeks I was contributing to real projects, something that can take months in a larger organisation. Because the team is smaller, I had direct support from experienced developers who invested time in helping me grow. The culture was genuinely collaborative: everyone wanted me to succeed, and I never felt like “just an intern.”
Of course, the learning curve was steep. But in an SME environment, you are trusted to take responsibility earlier, and that brings confidence as well as skills. You see the impact of your work much faster, and you feel part of the company’s success.
Looking back, I can see that choosing an SME gave me:
- Real responsibility early on. I wasn’t a small cog in a huge machine.
- Support and mentorship. People had the time and willingness to help me grow.
- A chance to shape my career path. I could try software development without pressure, and found it was right for me.
- A values-driven culture. The company cared about people, not just numbers.
I can’t say my path will be the same as anyone else’s, but I do know this: if I hadn’t stepped away from the obvious route and taken a chance on an SME, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones that don’t look like the traditional next step.
And now, it has come full circle. I run the Early Careers Network: Women in Tech, a monthly gathering created to support, inspire, and connect women who are starting their journey in tech, considering a career switch, or exploring new opportunities in the field. It is proof that the right start can grow into something much bigger – not just for your own career, but for the community around you too.
The network is open to all, and if you’re a student reading this, we’d love for you to join our next session on Tuesday 16 September, 5.30 – 6.45 pm – you can sign up on our website.
Small Business, Big Opportunity
Want to discover more local small to medium-sized businesses like Ghyston offering graduate roles and internships? Don’t miss our Small Business, Big Opportunity (SBBO) events!
These sessions give you the chance to connect directly with dynamic, fast-growing companies eager to offer exciting graduate opportunities.
To find out when the next event is, simply search ‘SBBO’ in mycareer.