Graduates into Work: Understanding and Interacting with SME Employers
Unlock career opportunities and develop new skills to thrive in small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) workplaces.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
4 hours100% online
How it works
Graduates into Work: Understanding and Interacting with SME Employers
Understand the SME job market and what employers look for
SMEs form the backbone of the UK economy, yet many graduates overlook them in favour of large corporations. This course will introduce you to SMEs’ unique opportunities, helping you understand their hiring processes, workplace culture, and career growth potential.
You’ll explore what SME employers look for in graduates and how to showcase your skills effectively. By learning how to research SMEs, craft targeted applications, and make direct connections, you’ll be better prepared to secure a role in this sector.
Develop strategies to connect with SME employers
Unlike large companies, SMEs often hire through direct applications and networking. You’ll learn how to approach employers proactively, create compelling speculative applications, and communicate effectively to stand out in the job market.
You’ll also explore how remote and hybrid working have influenced SME hiring trends, giving you the insight to navigate modern employment landscapes with confidence.
Gain real-world insights into SME workplace culture and career progression
SMEs often offer more diverse roles, hands-on experience, and faster career growth opportunities. Through this course, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what it’s like to work in an SME and how to thrive in this environment.
By the course’s end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to pursue meaningful career ventures in the SME sector, setting yourself apart from other graduates in the job market.
Learn with the career experts at the University of York
Drawing on years of experience supporting students and graduates, you’ll gain expert insights and guidance into SME employment from the University of York’s Careers and Placements team.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introducing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Welcome
An introduction to the course objectives and a chance to think about how you will learn. There is also an opportunity to introduce yourself and meet fellow learners for the first time.
Introduction to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
An SME is a business defined by the number of staff members it employs and its total annual turnover - we'll explore further!
What employers look for in graduates today
What do employers look for in graduates? We'll explore key skills, how to develop them, and which are particularly prized by SMEs.
Remote and hybrid working
Working remotely for your employer means that you work mainly or exclusively away from their premises - we'll explore what this means for you.
Conclusion
Bringing this week's materials to a close, we'll test your learning and look ahead to next week.
Week 2
Researching, applying and working
Introduction
Welcome back to the second week of our course aimed at individuals who want to learn more about the SME graduate job market, with a particular focus on North Yorkshire.
Researching SME employers
Researching SME employers requires a different approach from large graduate schemes. In this section, we will explore effective ways to find and research small and medium-sized businesses.
Applying for a job in the SME market
When it comes to promoting yourself in the job application process, you’ll need to explain your evidence for those skills as clearly as possible. If you’re approaching a business speculatively, this is even more important.
Working for an SME
Onboarding is a word used by recruiters to describe the process of bringing a new member of staff into the business. You might also hear it referred to as an induction programme.
Conclusion
Bringing last week's materials to a close, we'll test your learning and hear your thoughts.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe what an SME is and the extensive potential job market they represent
- Engage more effectively with SMEs through approaches including speculative applications and networking
- Explore SMEs effectively, exploring their culture, values and needs both online and in person
- Apply for a job within the SME market, communicating your skills and experiences and crafting speculative applications
- Assess the skills and attributes that a smaller business often looks for in its employees
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for recent graduates and final-year university students exploring career opportunities beyond large corporations. It’s ideal for those curious about SMEs and looking for practical guidance on entering this job market.
Who will you learn with?
Charlie is a dedicated Careers Consultant based in York, with a passion for helping students navigate the world of work.
Who developed the course?
University of York
The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best.
Endorsers and supporters
funded by
funded by
Ways to learn | Subscribe & save | Buy this course | Limited access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $54/one-off payment | Free |
| Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Sample the course materials | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 27 Mar 2025 |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | tick | cross | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 27 Mar 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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