<p>I searched the Washington Post want ads for systems engineer. I looked at the 250 openings. I don’t believe that VT’s program of industrial engineering would prepare you for a single one. On the other hand, UVa systems engineers could walk into a large number of them. I know this because I’m very familiar with the types of jobs in this market. I’ve been here 30 years. Of course it’s “just my opinion”. And, a VT student ■■■■■■■■ the UVa boards will surely dismiss it. This doesn’t change the facts on the ground: jobs in the DC suburbs–among the most stable and lucrative job market in the nation–do not include manufacturing, process design, inventory control, plant management, or quality control in their job description. </p>
<p>Now, does VT turn out good EEs? Aerospace Engineers? Mech Es? Of course, and I have met many working here in Fairfax County. This is just not a good place to work for industrial engineers of the type VT turns out. And, sadly, that is increasingly the story in many parts of the country.</p>