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Electronics projects in small businesses

The positive reaction by some forward-thinking graduates and Careers Services, has been to think about the positive outcomes of work experience, especially with opportunities in SMEs.

STEP through the door:

electronics projects in small businesses

Every year, around half a million graduates leave higher education and join the race for a job. Most will have high expectations of finding a challenging, highly paid position within a vibrant and progressive organisation, and rightly so, this is your reward for years of hard study

Unfortunately, the downsizing of many national corporations within the electronics sector means that, as more of you graduate each year, there are fewer jobs available through the traditional graduate routes. The positive reaction to this, by some forward-thinking graduates and Careers Services, has been to think about the positive outcomes of work experience, especially with opportunities in SMEs.

The term ‘SME’ (small or medium-sized enterprise) means any business employing fewer than 250 employees, and in fact these actually account for 99.8% of all businesses in the UK. Although the SME sector has not attracted many graduates in the past, things are beginning to change, as small businesses are increasingly being recognised as the centre for innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in the UK, providing a motivating and challenging environment in which to gain work experience or start building a career.

Even if you can’t imagine yourself working long-term in a small business, the skills and experiences you could gain through work experience could be of massive benefit, whatever career path you choose to follow; but if you are considering work experience in a smaller business, you should be prepared for a challenge!

Whereas in a large blue-chip company, work experience placements will generally be highly ordered, with a balance of classroom training, ‘hands-on’ project work and structured assessment criteria, work experience in a SME could be very different.

In a very small business, you could end up working longer hours, on more tasks, with less structure and far greater responsibility for your projects. You will form part of a team working towards a central business goal, rather than a set of departmental objectives as might be the case in a large organisation. Generally, the smaller the business, the greater the impact of your work, and the more likely you’ll see direct results. This can provide a real buzz that often stays with and inspires undergraduates for the rest of their careers.

One way to experience the energetic ‘hands-on’ working style of a small business, yet still receive structured supervision and support, is by signing up for STEP, the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme. If you apply and are selected for STEP (and there is tough competition!), you will be paid to manage your own project for a small business in your area. This project will be specified by the business itself, and is usually one which is critical to the company’s development but for which they often do not have the internal skills to manage or complete.

For the past three years an additional programme has run alongside STEP which specifically focuses on the electronics sector – STEP Solutions: Electronic Engineering is supported by the Government’s Department of Trade and Industry and encourages students studying electronics to undertake work experience within SMEs.

The competition for STEP Solutions: Electronic Engineering is tough, but students applying for this programme are more likely to secure a project than other applicants for STEP. If you are successful, the experience will help you understand what life is like in the real world of business. You will be able to give examples of the skills and experiences that all employers are looking for; you will be clearer about how and where you’d like to start your career, and you will be at a major advantage in the search for your ideal graduate job.

 

STEP Solutions: Electronic Engineering is open to first, second and penultimate year undergraduates. To find out more, to register your interest, or to apply online, visit the student face of STEP at www.secureyoursuccess.co.uk and look out for information in your Careers Service.