Once the gown has gone back to the shop, the champagne has been popped, and the ceremony is over, it's inevitable to think 'what next?' Graduating can be a daunting experience, with individuals finding themselves suddenly expected to leave the comfort of education and find a steady job in the big wide world. Negative stories about the economy don't help, but graduation is a time for excitement about possibilities - not worry. Individuals who graduate with a degree have a powerful weapon in the hunt for employment. Research last year found that 11 out of every 12 graduates were able to find work within six months of leaving university. People who have recently left university could benefit from considering a role in the manufacturing and logistics sector or specifically as a warehouse operative. There is a real variety of positions available, from data analyst right through to sales and management work.

Research shows that most graduates would like to work for an SME, believing themselves to be more capable of fulfilling the work. Of those questioned, 62% also said they believed SMEs develop their workforce in a beneficial way. Working at a small manufacturing or logistics company is a great way to enter the world of employment. Fortunately, it's currently a great time to look for work in this sector, with the Manufacturing Advisory Service's Manufacturing Barometer suggesting employers are feeling very positive about the future. 64% of companies surveyed say they expect an increase in their turnover over the next six months, while 93% are planning on either keeping their employment levels steady, or adding new positions. The Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index is also indicating growth in the sector, with a reading of 51.3. Anything above 50 shows the sector is expanding, which only means one thing – more jobs.

The sheer variety of work available in the sector is also very attractive to new graduates. Many people don’t consider work in manufacturing and logistics until after they've graduated, and see the scope of what the sector can offer. The opportunities are endless, whether individuals are interested in supply chain management,or assisting and organising delivery of foreign aid. Many positions do not require a specialised degree, although having one will obviously be beneficial. Looking for an entry level role in operations management is a great option for new graduates, that can help them begin a highly profitable career with plenty of opportunities for progression. Taking an MSc is a good course of action for those interested in specialising.

Alternatively, a productions operative position is also a good place to start, as there are many entry and graduate positions available. Many of the lessons individuals have learned over the course of their education will come in useful, such as organisational skills, and the ability to maintain concentration on the work at hand. Another option is to consider higher level, business support positions. All manufacturing and logistics companies need people behind the scenes to make their business run smoothly, from personal assistants for managers, through to finance assistants. Research from The RSA predicts that 200,000 manufacturing and logistics jobs will return to the UK over the next decade, so now could be the perfect time to look for graduate work.