Manufacturing : Opportunities abroad

What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Manufacturing is a truly global industry. To gain a competitive advantage over their rivals, all companies, regardless of size, need to constantly review their source materials and markets. This means that manufacturing offers many opportunities to work or travel abroad.

Companies may require those with specialist qualifications and experience to work in other parts of the world. Engineers in particular are in demand worldwide, and experienced, qualified engineers can choose to travel and work abroad extensively.

Most opportunities for new graduates, however, are short term or just include some international travel. Long-term jobs or postings abroad are more likely with considerable experience.

In order to increase your chances of getting a job overseas, thoroughly research the companies that interest you, and ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the company you are interested in operate globally or is it planning to do so?
• Are the products the company manufactures sold in other countries?
• Does it have a supply chain outside of the UK?
• Is the particular role you are interested in relevant to the company’s global production, for example, marketing, logistics and engineering?
• Do you speak, or are you willing to learn, a foreign language that is relevant to your company’s interests in other countries (if necessary/applicable)?

Will my qualifications be recognised?

In general, UK degrees and qualifications are well regarded, but they do not necessarily provide a passport to working abroad. You may be required to undertake further study or training in your chosen country. Check with your professional body to find out about country-specific requirements.

Where are the opportunities?

A role within an organisation such as one of the large graduate recruiters listed in typical employers may give you a better chance of working abroad. They often advertise international opportunities as part of their recruitment campaigns.

The most popular areas of work include:

• accountancy and finance;
• purchasing;
• sales;
• engineering;
• science and technology.

Smaller companies may also have opportunities for graduates in areas such as negotiating new supply chains, investigating new markets for exports and setting up new plants and offices.