| For young professionals and graduates throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, there may have been no bigger thrill in their lives than learning to drive a car. This rite of passage is something that teenagers experience all over the world and the first car a person has can influence their perception of motor vehicles in the future. Graduates with degrees in design, engineering, advertising, and business administration often overlook the everyday automobile during their job search. Automotive companies in the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond are always looking for talented graduates to learn the automotive process and help compete in a difficult marketplace.
From conceptual design to the sales floor, there are a number of jobs that graduates can use to break into the exciting world of automobiles. Young professionals interested in managing production processes and the actual physical assembly of vehicles can get involved as production engineers. Graduates who want to help develop new automobiles from step one can get involved in design departments at international car companies. Other graduates interested in developing the catchy advertising campaigns we see on television all the time can get involved in automotive advertising departments.
The automotive industry is incredibly competitive and graduates need to be aware of the ups and downs of the industry before applying for a permanent position. Just ten years ago, Ford Motor Company in the United States was an industry leader while Honda, Toyota,and Hyundai were at the bottom of the automotive market. At present, the roles have reversed with Ford sinking down and Honda and Toyota rising to the top. With such a constantly changing market, graduate professionals need to understand that their jobs may not always be safe. Automotive companies in financial trouble will shut down factories, sell off subsidiaries, and close down departments to streamline their operations. Graduates need to recognize the volatility of the industry before committing to it fully.
Graduates who find jobs at automotive companies will find them lucrative financially and personally. Entry level engineers make salaries in the mid 30,000 pounds, varying with company size and stability. Perks, benefits, and other financial incentives are offered by automotive companies to keep talented graduates and young professionals in their positions. As well, graduates should consider their vocation to be a noble one. After all, developing safe and reliable automobiles for families around the world is an important job. |
