Additional Information
If you like to solve problems and are good at math, science and computers,
a career as an industrial engineer might be for you. Industrial engineers
deal with people as well as technology, so people skills are also important
in this career.
In high school, it's best to take as many science and math classes as possible.
"[Students] should do well in the 'traditional' courses that are recommended
for engineering: math and science (in particular, physics and chemistry),"
says Elena Joshi. She teaches industrial engineering at Pennsylvania State
University.
"These are the foundation for any type of engineering, so they will have
to fare well in these types of courses in order to do well in the upper-level
engineering courses," says Joshi. "We also find that those that pursue industrial
engineering are more outgoing and social and enjoy working with people, and
they also tend to aspire to be managers, but prefer to have a technical degree
in engineering rather than a business degree."
There are numerous programs focused on industrial engineering at colleges
and universities across North America. You can earn a bachelor's degree, a
master's, or even a PhD in industrial engineering. So, what level should you
aim for?
"This answer is a solid 'depends,'" says industrial engineer Kazuo Takeda.
"IE basically falls within three groups -- manufacturing, service and knowledge
management. If the [industrial engineer] is looking specifically at working
in aerospace, a master's within a specific technical area can be an advantage.
[For] knowledge management, a master's in systems may be an advantage. Within
the service industry, a master's in processes or systems can be an advantage.
Yet a B.Sc. (bachelor of science) in IE may be totally sufficient also."
Joshi agrees that a bachelor's degree can be enough. "A person can be very
successful with only a bachelor's degree in engineering," she says. "However,
if you want to move up the corporate ladder or focus more on a particular
topic area, then a master's degree may help you attain that."
"My advice is to monitor timing of the job market," says Takeda. "If the
job market is soft, consider the master's. If the job market is strong, join
the workforce and get a few years under your belt to confirm what interests
you, then go back for a master's."
Sometimes industrial engineers who already have a B.Sc. in IE are unsure
whether to pursue a master's degree in IE or an MBA. Here's what Takeda advises:
"Within manufacturing, the MSIE (master's in science in IE) is probably
best," says Takeda. "Within service and knowledge management, the MBA is a
great option if the IE has four-plus years of experience under their belt.
Many universities will often offer a dual master's program in an engineering
emphasis and an MBA for a few more classes. For those looking at the master's
as a career [boost] or self advantage, this is a great option."
In order to call themselves a "professional engineer," engineers must be
certified by a professional engineering association.