How Do I Get a Job in Industrial Engineering?

Answer 1

One of the most sought after positions in the field of engineering is that of industrial engineer.

Industrial engineering is a field in which engineering intersects with the needs of businesses. Specifically, an industrial engineer uses his or her knowledge of engineering to improve business processes so they become more efficient.

An industrial engineer may work with any kind of business to improve almost any business process. For example, one of the most common jobs of an industrial engineer is improving the production process for a product on the factory floor. During this process, the engineer may go over data related to the production of the product. However, he or she is also likely to spend a lot of time observing the manufacturing process in person. After all this information is gathered, the engineer will analyze it and then use it to develop ideas for changes to the manufacturing process to make it more efficient. These suggestions to save time and money will then be passed on to management for consideration.

However, the manufacturing process is not the only kind of business process an industrial engineer may work to improve. Industrial engineers also often work to improve the processes of customer service, shipping, and distribution. An industrial engineer may even work in industries not usually associated with engineering such as entertainment and healthcare. Overall, the job of an industrial engineer is to find ways to provide better products or services faster and cheaper.

The position of industrial engineer pays relatively well. An industrial engineer can expect to make between $51,000 and $74,000 a year. A new industrial engineer is likely to have a starting salary that falls somewhere between $44,000 and $57,000 a year.

To become an industrial engineer, a person will have to have a certain amount of education. High school students should focus their studies on advanced math, physics, chemistry, and shop. Grades in high school will have to be good enough that a person can be accepted into an industrial engineering bachelor’s degree program in college. While in college, it is very important for that student to obtain an internship. Having practical experience under experienced industrial engineers is very important to gaining entrance into this career field.