Student perception of SMEs and practical ways forward Graduates into Smaller Businesses Conference Tuesday 25 th November 2013 Lucy Hawthorne, NUS

About NUS Confederation of 600+ students’ unions in UK 450 in FE and 150 in HE 7 million students (95% UK students) NUS and students’ unions Autonomy Guidance Collaboration

NUS strategy Priority campaign in the run up to 2015 Research Commission and Summit on students and work Regional events at students’ unions

Survey demographics 863 undergraduates 80 universities 64 % female 54% White 23 per cent science 22 per cent business/management 18 per cent arts/humanities 10 per cent economics/social science 8 per cent engineering 6 per cent law 6 per cent art and design.

How willing, if at all, are you to consider starting your career with a smaller employer? The good news

How willing are you to consider placements, internships and work experience with smaller employers?

“I think starting a career with a smaller employers could open doors to larger employers” “It is easier to get a job with smaller employers – it’s not so competitive” “More responsibility, better facilities, actually get to do hands-on stuff” “The chances for early responsibility are great, meaning there is a greater involvement in decision making from an earlier point.” “You have better access to personal mentors.” “More attention, better training, more responsibilities” The good news

Image problem? To what extent do you agree with the statement that working for a larger and well-known employer looks better on your CV?

Image problem? In your personal opinion, do you think your longer- term career prospects are better with….?

Image problem? “The worry that there will be limited opportunity to progress or gain noticeable exposure in your desired career sector” “Limited opportunities for learning and development” “Lack of systematic training for graduates” “Opportunities are limited and very hard to find. Also, it is harder to know what to expect as you cannot find reviews by students who have done work experience or other placements at the company before” “They won't offer the same opportunities in terms of exciting projects with well-known clients”

but better personal development… And do you think that you personally will stand out more at work with…?

but better personal development… And do you think you will get earlier responsibility with…?

but better personal development… And do you think you will learn more skills and develop as a person quicker with…?

Pay parity? If you joined a smaller employer after graduation, in five years’ time do you expect you will be…

Which part of the country would you prefer to work in after graduation? ? London calling

SME where for art thou? Looking around you at university, how would you describe the profile of smaller employers as recruiters of graduates or providers of work experience?

SME where for art thou? How aware, if at all, are you of the opportunities offered by smaller employers compared to those offered by larger employers?

SME where for art thou? If you have heard about opportunities with smaller employers on campus, how did you do so?

Becoming more attractive to students “Offer work incentives, bonuses and employee benefits” “Offer paid internships. Provide good support and development via training etc” “Clear career progression strategies” “Use social media to engage with students and to develop relationships with them before they graduate”

Becoming more attractive to students “Use social media to develop relationships with students before they graduate” “Advertise on graduate job websites so we are more aware of the opportunities available” “Maybe smaller employers could form a group/alliance to represent them all at a fair” “Universities should run more specific smaller local business fairs”

Willing graduates Which of these statements do you most agree with?

Working with students’ unions Democratically elected representatives Staff members Presidents, Welfare and Community Officers, Activities Officers, Education Officers, Campaigns Officers New elected officers (bi)annually – relationships may need to be built Connections with other colleges and universities, community groups, local authority and local employers.

NUS activity Research o Polling of student and study-leavers experience and perception of the job market o Tracking students’ unions activities and aspirations o Co-producing guide on working while studying with BIS

NUS activity Summit on students and work o High profile convening of key voices (March 2014) o Catalyst for on going cooperation and shared solutions Commission on students and work o Oral and written evidence (March – April 2014) o Published findings inform policy and lobbying activities ahead of 2015 (Summer 2014) Regional events at students’ unions

Shape our work Discuss research proposals Attend Summit on Students and Work Submit evidence to Commission on Students and Work Get in touch!

Contacts Staff lead: Campaigning Partnership and Policy Officer Elected officer leads: Vice President (Society and Citizenship) Vice President (Union Development) National President