Where to find IT jobs in SMEs

The UK is home to a wealth of small technology companies that provide innovative, specialist technology and expert services to businesses. The roles within these SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) are as diverse as you could find within any larger organisation, meaning that small IT and technology firms offer great job opportunities for graduates.

The graduate job benefits of SMEs

An SME is a company with fewer than 250 employees, so you could expect:

• a closer knit work environment.
• a high level of autonomy and early responsibility.
• your individual contribution to be recognised, which can result in…
• a greater sense of engagement with your work and the company.
• a broad range of experience
• accessible managers and even directors.

At the same time, smaller employers also often allow for a greater degree of flexibility in the workplace, for example allowing staff to keep more flexible hours.

Salaries and training for entry-level jobs

Starting salaries may be a bit lower than some of the very large IT graduate employers, but technology companies tend to compare and match their salaries to the going rate for the level of the role.

Training in SMEs tends to be more informal than a ‘graduate programme’ and most of your training will be done on the job. In some ways you may have more freedom to shape your own path, picking the training you feel is necessary to perform your role.

Finding SMEs with graduate jobs near you

Finding entry-level jobs in technology SMEs requires looking in the right places:

• Look on specialist IT job boards and, of course, on targetjobs.co.uk for trainee and junior positions.
• University careers services are also an important port of call for SME job-hunting. Many build close links with local employers for both full-time and work-experience vacancies.
• You can also check out the local science/business park – this is where many small tech firms reside. Go to the UK Science Park Association website to track down those near you.
• Networking can also be a big help when looking for a job with an SME: speak to your friends, tutors and people on your course to see if you can get any leads.

Links to help you seek out work experience and graduate jobs in SMEs

• Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) – The national placement programme for undergraduates in SMEs.
• e-skills UK – The UK sector skills council responsible for the IT and telecoms.
• Business Link – The small business service government agency for SMEs offers help and advice.
• Knowledge Transfer Partnership – Places graduates in SMEs to work on business-based projects for at least 12 months.