6 Reasons to intern with a small business

While you might think that some experience at a big, well-established firm will make your CV look more credible, companies such as BP, John Lewis, L’ Oréal attract thousands of applicants for every internship or grad scheme opening. The fierce competition means that very few get lucky, and others spend their lives dreaming of that one foot in the door.

Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) make up 98% of all businesses in the Humber so there’s plenty of hands-on experience you can get from them, and your experience can prove to be much more enriching.

Here’s why…

#1 You’ll get real insight.

By being part of a smaller team, you are much more likely to get real hands-on experience and work with people who are doing lots of different tasks and be exposed to different parts of the company.

And, if you’re still not sure what career path to pursue, interning with a small business is a great way to explore different avenues.

You’ll learn about the culture, how they work, and what sort of candidates they are looking for – this will give you a head start if you choose to apply for graduate jobs at similar companies!

#2 You’ll be doing impactful work.

SMEs can be a great place to get a really meaningful experience.

Due to the nature of a small workforce, interns are usually given a chance to voice their opinions and pitch their ideas. Your contributions can be really impactful, making your experience as an intern much more rewarding and fun.

#3 You’ll learn new skills.

At a small business, you’re likely to learn a bit about the functioning of other departments.

You might be taught new skills or asked to work on a project in an area of business you haven’t tackled before.

SMEs are also more likely to show you the ropes and let you take over specific tasks. Such an experience will make you self-sufficient and you’ll learn how to make yourself accountable.

#4 It’s an exciting environment.

SMEs are fast-paced and often are still evolving and growing. Being involved as an intern can be a great experience because you get to watch the business change even over the duration of a short internship.

You will be involved with new projects and ideas, meaning that your work will be varied as the business requires you to take on new responsibilities.

#5 Your new contacts will be valuable.

You will get to know your colleagues really well. The contacts you make during your internship will be strong and very valuable because the people you meet might be able to give you more opportunities.

It is also common for internships to become permanent positions, so if it goes well, you may end your internship with a job! SMEs are often pools of up and coming talent, so getting to know the people you work with will give you a brilliant network for the future.

#6 They will probably remember you forever.

Large businesses will often let their interns become a statistic in intern history – unless they made an ingenious discovery and consequently a large sum of money whilst they were employed!

On the other hand, smaller businesses won’t forget those interns who came in and made an impact, no matter how big or small. Keeping in contact with your ex-intern boss is a great way to build connections and begin networking. If you’re lucky, they might ask you to come back!

The Humber Internship Programme will find the right business for you to get the experience you’re looking for. You’ll get an idea of the work environment you thrive in, and the type of role you’re passionate about, and it may end up being the first step on your career ladder.

Register with the Humber Internship Programme (HIP) today.