If you’re looking for a paid internship, sourcing your own can be a great way to find an opportunity in a sector that you’re really interested in.
The SME Internship Scheme offers funding to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them take you on for a paid internship for at least 140 hours.
You can participate in the scheme by applying to our advertised opportunities on mycareer.
You can also approach organisations yourself to see if they would like to employ you by applying for the scheme.
When you’re approaching SMEs to ask for an internship opportunity, it might feel like you’re asking for something only you benefit from. However, it’s important to remember that an internship can be mutually beneficial, and SMEs in particular can reap big rewards from taking on a University of Bristol Intern!
Here are some reasons recruiting an intern can be great for a small business:
Increasing productivity and saving money
Hiring an intern is a cost-effective way of employing a highly motivated student or recent graduate who is keen to make a contribution. The short-term additional support of an intern can be the perfect way for a small organisation to complete a specific project or piece of work.
Helping the organisation stay current
Interns can help an SME keep up to date with the latest tech and other social, entertainment, and market trends.
The real value of an internship lies in creating a role for you, where you can have a meaningful impact.
Test-driving graduate talent
Recruiting the right person into a small business can be hard to navigate; an internship is a low-risk way for organisations to bring a new personality into the workplace.
If an SME Internship sounds like something you’d like to pursue, here are our top tips for securing one:
Know your stuff
Sometimes a bit of social media stalking is okay. Do your research on the businesses you want to work for. You can never have enough background information or context.
Stay flexible
There is usually no structured recruitment cycle for smaller employers. Be proactive and have your CV updated . You don’t have to wait for them to advertise a vacancy – consider approaching them with a speculative application for an internship or job opportunity.
Don’t be too informal
Even if a company projects a laid-back vibe and their dress code is relaxed, always make sure your approach and communications are appropriate, particularly with speculative applications.
Stick around after graduation
Here in the west of England, we have one of the highest rates of employment in the country at 79% (Summary of labour market statistics, Office for National Statistics, October 2024).
Visit www.bristolandbath.co.uk/key-sectors/ to find out about the key sectors that Bristol and Bath are known for.
