My name is Katie, and I am a 2nd year student studying BA French and Spanish.

I completed my SME Internship this June at Treepoints, an online platform start-up which provides support for businesses to take climate action and reduce their carbon emissions.

The internship took place in London, where I covered a variety of tasks over the month including market research, internal auditing, competitor research, developing selection criteria for new partners and bringing on board a new plastic collection partner.

I gained several new and invaluable skills such as collaboration skills, researching skills and adaptability – something especially relevant to working in a start-up. I also attended a climate action conference, representing the company alongside another colleague which developed my communication and networking abilities.

I would recommend the experience to anyone. If I could give any advice, it would be to try everything you can because whether it interests you or not, you could be surprised sometimes about what you enjoy and what you’re good at.

Treepoints logo

I encourage other students to seek out the internship themselves, which is what I did. It shows initiative, allows you to work for a company or in a specific sector that aligns with your personal interests, and develops speculative skills in approaching organisations.

Working for a start-up specifically has been an invaluable experience, as I’ve watched how the company has overcome challenges and how they have grown day-to-day. For anyone thinking of applying for the SME Internship Scheme, I would say 100% go for it!

the words "SME internships Scheme" with a syoug woman smiling at pointing at the wrods

Want to be an SME Internship intern?

The SME Internship Scheme will reopen in the Autumn for the new academic year. Keep an eye on our website for more information, and how to participate.  

Check out more blogs in our “My SME Internship” series for inspiration.