In the race for top-tier graduate talent, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) often feel they cannot compete with the massive graduate schemes of the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. However, the reality is that today’s graduates are increasingly seeking impact, variety, and responsibility, all of which are found more readily in an SME environment.
At Step, we encourage both businesses and graduates to Think Big, Choose Small. For a growing business, the SME Advantage isn’t about having a massive budget; it’s about strategic timing and leveraging early-career talent.
What is an Internship, Really?
There is often a lot of confusion about what an internship is. At Step, we define an internship as “an outcome-focused, project-based piece of paid work.” This definition ensures that the placement is structured to benefit both the business and the student, providing a genuine development focus rather than just a temporary extra pair of hands.
Whether you are looking for a short-term burst of energy or a long-term addition to your team, these roles are vital components of a healthy early-careers talent pipeline.
Hiring Beyond the “Autumn Rush”
A common myth is that graduate hiring only happens during the traditional autumn window. We’ve previously discussed why that’s not true, and for SMEs, early spring is actually the perfect time to plan. By acting now, you can secure right-fit talent before the summer peak.
The Skills Employers Need Now
The latest World Economic Forum (WEF) skills forecast indicates a significant shift in what defines a top candidate. By understanding these gaps, your SME can hire for the future:
- Analytical Thinking: Currently the #1 priority for employers, though 40% of businesses report this skill is missing in new hires.
- Creative Thinking: The ability to solve unconventional problems is a massive competitive advantage as tasks become more automated.
- Resilience & Agility: SMEs require staff who can “pivot,” and graduates who have navigated independent research projects, like a dissertation, are often pre-wired for this flexibility.
Choosing Your Placement Model: Summer vs. Sandwich
Depending on your business needs, Step supports two primary placement models, both of which are structured, project-based, and paid.
| Feature | Summer Internships | Sandwich Placements |
| Duration | 8 weeks to12 weeks. | Up to 12 months. |
| Best For | Specific, short-term projects or “testing the water” with a new role. | Long-term integration into the team and major project delivery. |
| Talent Pool | Undergraduates seeking experience during the summer holiday period. | Students on a formal “year in industry” as part of their degree or master’s programme |
| Impact | High-energy, immediate output on a set deliverable. | Deep development; often converts into a permanent hire upon graduation. |
Additionally, Step can help you tap into a Global Talent Pool by facilitating connections with international 1+1 Masters and MBA students, bringing global perspectives and specialist technical skills to your local business.
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Secure Talent
- Identify the Project: What is the high-impact project that currently sits on your strategic ‘wish list’ due to resource constraints? That is your ideal internship deliverable. Graduates are looking for roles with a genuine development focus where they can apply demonstrable capabilities like problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Define the Capabilities: Don’t just look for a degree title. Look for these core skills: Analytical Thinking, Creativity, and Resilience.
- Register your vacancy with Step: Let us handle the matching. We provide structured, paid opportunities that ensure a genuine development focus for the student and a high return on investment for you.
Ready to secure your graduate talent?
→ Download our Graduate Hiring Checklist or Get in Touch to register your placement today.
Step: Bringing Business and Graduates Together.