Here, we take a look at some of the unexpected industries that many graduates find themselves in after they complete their courses.
E-commerce and logistics operations
One area you might find yourself getting into is the realm of e-commerce and logistics operations. This is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy right now and is attracting talent from across the board, thanks to the profitability in the sector and the fact that many companies are willing to pay premium salaries to get people to work for them.
In these roles, you’ll be doing something highly practical. Attention to detail is paramount. You’re responsible for working with ecosystems, ensuring optimised delivery routes, and using advanced tracking software. You’ll also need to have an understanding of health and safety compliance so that workers don’t injure themselves, including scissor lift servicing for your warehouse.
Facilities and estate management
Many graduates also surprisingly find themselves in facilities and estate management. The idea here is to assist universities, hospitals, and commercial skyscrapers with maintaining and running their facilities. Obviously, most of these companies and organisations don’t want to do this in-house, primarily because they don’t have the specialisation to make it work. It’s much easier and cheaper for them to hire outside contractors who understand exactly how facilities management operates and what needs to be prioritised. You are a good fit for this type of work if you are highly organised and focused on problem solving. It is very likely that you may find your way into this industry by chance.
Supply chain data analytics
You could also explore opportunities in supply chain data analytics. If you don’t want to work for a traditional investment bank, you can work for distribution and logistics companies that are obsessed with getting every last ounce of efficiency and performance from their networks. You’ll need to track international shipments and minimise environmental waste. You’ll also need to forecast consumer trends and ensure that companies always have the inventory and supplies on hand that they need to service their clients.
If you can do this well, the pay and remuneration can be significant. Many companies are willing to pay six-figure salaries for the right people, plus various perks and benefits.
Occupational health and safety
Finally, you could explore getting into occupational health and safety. This type of career is popular among graduates recently, primarily because it’s a high-stakes area for major enterprises who are at risk of being sued. The goal is to keep employees safe and protect the surrounding environment from damage. For this type of role, you’ll need interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the corporate law and compliance regulations that apply. This career trajectory can also lead to high-paid leadership roles.
