How to approach startups to get work experience

Are you a student or graduate looking for a method of getting work experience whilst you're studying? Read on for my #1 approach.

Yesterday, I received this message from a follower and connection on LinkedIn.

The individual (let's call him David for privacy) writes:

Hi Ewan, I hope you're well. Just a quick message to say thanks! I came across a TikTok of yours suggesting that those without experience should reach out to startups offering to help half-a-day/ one-day a week and I'm managed to secure myself a position with a startup over the next year using your advice. Appreciate you putting out all the content you do and especially for doing so for free!

I think it was this video that David was referring to (or this one):

I realised that I haven't actually written this process down, so I thought that would be a good use of time this Sunday afternoon.

Let's begin!

How to Find Startups for Work Experience (Even If You’re Still a Student)

One of the questions I get asked a lot – most recently by on one of my TikTok Lives – is: “How do you actually find startups to approach for work experience?”

Whether you’re at university or have just finished your studies, you’ll know how valuable it is to get practical experience that goes beyond bar work, retail jobs, or short internships. Adding real, relevant experience to your CV helps you stand out.

Startups are a brilliant option. Why? Because they’re usually cash-poor but time-poor too – which means they always need extra hands, ideas, and support, even if they can’t afford a full team.

That’s where you come in!

Having run many startups in the past, I'm well aware of the time vs experience qui-pro-quo: Sometimes the startup just doesn't have enough spare cash to hire extra employees – in many cases, they're often having to work to specific milestones with their investors before additional funding is forthcoming.

So, if there's a way to get more done, without being able to hire extra full time staff, many startups will be really open to that.

In return for your time and efforts, they'll typically be very happy to give you exposure to all sorts of experiences and responsibilities that you might not necessarily get in a standard 2-4 week internship.

There's often a lot of leeway with startups for you to suggest ideas and try things out ... and you're usually working directly with the owners/bosses so the decision process is often really quick.

Paid or Unpaid?

It's worthwhile thinking about what's important to you in terms of payment. At no point am I suggesting that you must work for free. Not at all. However, I think it's worthwhile repeating that most startups aren't flush with cash. They're usually having to be really careful with their cashflow.

So, if you're in the middle of studies, you might be willing to work for free in return for the experience. That usually makes the 'hiring' decision for startups really easy. Indeed, it might be a flat 'no, sorry' from some startups if you're expecting to be paid for your time.

Equally, some startups might have a philosophical issue with you working for them for free and will decline to hire you for that reason alone. Others might insist on paying you a small amount or minimum wage. (Irrespective of the arrangement, if you're earning money, make sure you're accounting for tax!)

I've met a lot of students who think it's totally unfair to work for free and that's totally valid. Whatever your methodology, I think it's useful to have your terms in mind as you go through the process.

Now let's review one methodology of finding startups in your area...

Step 1: Search for Startups in Your Area

Let’s take Nottingham as an example. A simple Google search like “startups Nottingham” brings up lists of companies – sometimes hundreds of them.

Click through, explore their websites, and note down the ones that interest you. Look especially for:

• A careers page (even if there are no roles listed, many invite speculative contact).
• An About Us or Team page where you can identify the founders or hiring leads.

Step 2: Identify the Right People to Approach

For example, I looked at a company called AppInstitute, a Nottingham-based startup helping small businesses build apps.

(Note: I'm just using AppInstitute as an example – I'm affiliated with them at all, but I certainly with them and the team every success!)

On their site, I found the leadership team – including their CEO.

A quick LinkedIn search later, and I was able to find the CEO's profile.

From there, you can either:

• Connect with a short, polite note, or
• Use the company’s contact details to send an introductory email.

Step 3: Make the Pitch

Here’s what works well:

• Introduce yourself (“I’m a student at the University of Nottingham”).
• Be specific about your availability (“I’m available every Friday afternoon”).
• Offer your help (“I’d love to support your team and gain experience”).
• Don’t be put off by a lack of vacancies—startups often welcome extra hands.

And yes, in many cases this might be unpaid. But remember, you’re gaining real startup experience that strengthens your CV. Even if it’s helping with customer support or admin at first, it gets your foot in the door – and you can then show what else you can contribute.

Note: If you're prepared to swap experience for your time, then it could be useful to say so in your opening message (e.g. I'm looking for some unpaid work experience).

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Keep going down the list.

Here's another Nottingham example I found from the list: Lockwood Publishing, a bigger startup with over 100 people. On LinkedIn, you can quickly find their People & Talent Lead – exactly the person to reach out to.

Send a short, focused note - something like:

“Hello. I’m a student at Nottingham University studying English. I'm looking for some experience whilst I'm studying and I'm available every Friday during term times. I wondered if you needed any extra help?”

Some people won’t reply. Some will. That’s normal. The key is to start the conversation and see what happens.

You might send one message and get a reply instantly, or it might be closer to 1:15 or 1:25 ratio. For instance, David reports he contacted 15 companies before finding one that was able and keen.

Why This Works

Approaching startups directly shows initiative and persistence. Even if nothing comes of the first email, you’re practising networking, building your confidence, and creating opportunities that most students never think to chase.

David also pointed out that he was pleasantly surprised by how many startups responded to him positively to his outreach, even if they weren't in a position to offer him experience. One even said words to the effect of, "not right now perhaps later on?"

This kind of experience plays nicely with other popular types of experience like internships – you can still pursue those too! Indeed, a mix of this kind of startup experience together with a big name internship can be really good.

And if you line up just one of these “every Friday afternoon” gigs, that’s a year’s worth of real-world, CV-ready experience you can talk about in interviews.

Don’t underestimate how powerful this can be in a world that really prioritises candidates with experience.

Your CV instantly looks stronger when you can say words to the effect of: “Alongside my studies, I spent a year working with a Nottingham-based startup with customer support/product testing/business development activities.”

That’s the kind of practical, proactive experience employers love.

Good luck and every success.

If you've got any questions, please reach out. Find me on TikTok, LinkedIn or join my Discord server and get involved there.