jumpshooter

I've heard some bad crap about IE and how they actually don't know anything. I might just major in computer science or some other engineering instead, but IE does sounds interesting. I have come up with the following question which I can't find clear answers to:

Is it worth it then to major in it? How are the job prospects for IE in the near/distant future? What kind of jobs do IEs get after graduation and how much do they typically earn as a starting salary? Do salaries increase for IE's very quickly?

Thanks in advance if you can answer some of these questions.

Inmotion12

This is the broad field I've decided to go into, although I haven't decided on which specialization yet- there's operations research, supply chain optimization, systems engineering, and old school industrial- and I have been doing some intense research on the subject for the last week or so. There will be a lot of opportunities, good salary, and career growth for you if industrial engineering is something you are good at and enjoy doing.

From everything I've read it sounds amazing. What the hell do you care what other people think about it? From what I've seen, it takes a certain personality type to like industrial engineering and I feel lucky to have finally found something that fits me and is in high demand in the economy.

I like how it combines business, technology, math, and economics, which are all subjects that interest me, because I've never been able to decide which one to study. I love how the subject takes a big picture approach because that's how I think. I love how it is geared towards solving problems using a holistic approach and the way it requires collaboration with a cross-functional team and good communication skills to solve those problems. I love how the whole point is finding an optimal solution to a complex problem because that is how I spend my free time. I am an eccentric personality who is in need of constant mental stimulation and I believe industrial engineering could help satisfy that need of mine. I also love how the career path often leads to consulting and management positions.

I don't know why the other engineering disciplines talk crap about industrial. I guess because it is so business oriented and/or because it doesn't require as much physics and chemistry.

Keep in mind that industrial engineering is one of the engineering disciplines not expected to experience a serious slowdown in employment growth over the next decade and beyond. The reason has to do mainly with outsourcing, advancements in technology, and the decline in domestic manufacturing. Although these changes will have an adverse effect on engineering disciplines such as electrical and mechanical, those same changes will in fact be a boost to industrial and systems engineers. These engineers will be needed to manage the complex global supply chains of tomorrow and to optimize the labor and technological processes in firms of all sizes and types in order to keep those firms competitive in what is an absolutely cutthroat economic environment. With all that in mind I think that industrial engineering would probably be one of the best choices you could make.

GLOBALTRAVELER

One of the things that hard-core computer engineers (software or hardware) slack off on and sometimes do not do well is the "systems engineering" of the project: developing concise requirements, concept-of-operations (CONOPS), detailed testing, verification and validation and sustainment.

System engineers can really help projects and systems engineering is HUGE in the defense world (Boeing's, Lockheeds, General Dynamics, CSC's, Northrops, etc). The best way to academically get into systems engineering is I.E.

jumpshooter

thanks for the responses, systems engineering sounds really interesting. is it possible to go into systems engineering directly from undergrad with a degree in industrial engineering? also what are the types of jobs and pay an industrial engineer receives?

@globaltraveller i saw that you advised someone to go with a math degree for undergrad and IE for masters. is there any particular reason?

GLOBALTRAVELER

Yes, three reasons.....

1) If the IE grad program is heavy with operations research, then a math major can complete the program with very little extra/pre-requisite courses needed.

2) Although math/physics majors can be hired to do engineering work, the overall climate and environment of engineering firms still (to me) caters to those with an ENGINEERING degree. Sometimes the math/physics grad is looked at a more "raw" talent but not (in their eyes) the polished "engineering" talent. I could be way off base as I am adding in past experiences (and many not towards me...just what I have seen). So I do advocate getting an engineering masters degree if you happen to get hired in engineering work and are a science/math major.

3) IE is the major that can get you into systems engineering if there is no specific systems engineering major at the school.

jumpshooter

thanks. since i see you have a lot of experience in CS/computing systems do you think it would be advisable to go into CS or IE? they're my top choices. I'm interested in getting into management quickly or doing work that is important and satisfying rather than being just "another" programmer.

is IE one of those engineering degrees where it is essential to get a masters or can one get the same jobs with a bachelors degree?

Inmotion12

One option I've been considering is doing an applied math major with an emphasis in statistics with a double minor in industrial engineering and economics, and then doing a 12-18 month master's IE. My only concern is not being able to get any relevant internships in the field of IE as an undergrad because I'm a math major. I suppose getting an IE minor might help that situation though.

jumpshooter, IE's make a range of 40-65K out of undergrad and about 100K mid-career. Considering that many IE's go on to do consulting, management, and contract work I would say that the potential for a big salary is very, very high. Either way, you can expect to be living a comfortable life as an IE as long as you don't blow your money, which I wouldn't expect somebody with such training in economic efficiency to do.