working in the real world: Placements

Engineering disciplines offer the opportunity for people to be innovative in a work environment that interests them. In other words, engineers dedicate their careers to new ideas and improvements to existing ideas in all facets of the economy. Industrial Engineering (IE) is the most diverse and flexible of all the engineering disciplines.

IE Focus
The primary focuses of Industrial Engineers are quality and productivity. IEs serve their employers by streamlining processes and systems with the goal of improving quality, saving time, and reducing cost. Organizing a warehouse, setting up distribution routes, and planning a theme park layout are all jobs for industrial engineers.

Employment
Students and professors work together to improve processes. A large number of Industrial Engineers work in the manufacturing and service industries. Recently, however, businesses are realizing the benefits of employing IEs in all departments including marketing, finance, and personnel. Companies from IBM and Microsoft to Disney and Coca-Cola use Industrial Engineering majors to help manage their businesses.

Salaries
Today, Industrial Engineers are earning more than ever. Naturally, several factors affect income: more education, experience, and responsibility will yield an increase in salary. Industrial Engineers today are earning salaries comparable to those of other engineering disciplines. The salaries for Industrial Engineers are considerably higher than those for general civil, environmental, and geotechnical engineers. However, Industrial Engineers earn significantly less that of specialists in areas such as petroleum, nuclear, and mining engineering. Nevertheless, beginning upon graduation, Industrial Engineers earn first-rate salaries.

Related Information
Up-to-date information on IE internships, co-op opportunities, and future employment can be found at Mercer University’s Career Services Office.

Mercer University’s IIE student chapter
To obtain more information on Industrial Engineering, visit the Institute of Industrial Engineering (IIE) web page.

Preparation & College
High school classes such as advanced mathematics and advanced physical sciences will help to prepare you for a major in Industrial Engineering. It takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in most schools if the basic program is followed. However, many students choose to take advantage of co-op and/or internship opportunities to gain some concrete work experience. Students who participate in the co-op program will delay graduation until the fifth year. Industrial Engineering programs dedicate the first two years to the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, and chemistry), and introductory engineering. During the last two years, courses concentrate on Industrial Engineering.