One of the more versatile career paths out there right now is Industrial and Systems Engineering. The discipline of ISE combines engineering, business, and problem-solving to help organize and optimize complex systems. Unlike most engineering disciplines, which focus on building or designing specific structures or machines, ISE takes a broader view, focusing on improving efficiency and productivity.
If you’re curious about Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and wondering whether it’s the right career path for you, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, I will explain what this field offers and why pursuing an industrial and systems engineering degree could be a great move.
What is ISE?
Industrial and Systems Engineering or ISE is all about designing, managing, and optimizing complex systems that integrate people, information, equipment and energy. The overall goal of ISE is to improve efficiency and reduce waste, as well as improve the quality of whatever product is being provided.
ISE is a little different from other engineering disciplines, which mostly focus on design and building things: whether it’s machines or infrastructure. Instead, ISE asks the question “how can we make this system run better?”
For example, an ISE professional might improve things in a hospital by streamlining patient admissions and supply chains in order to reduce costs, not just a technical solution, but one that also involves people.
This broader systems-based approach to engineering means an ISE professional must not only have plenty of technical know-how, but also be able to bring organizational and business insights to the table.
What You Need to Enter the ISE Field
So what does it take to break into ISE? Let’s take a look at the qualifications you’ll need. It comes down to three things: an undergraduate education, advanced study, and professional certifications.
Undergraduate Education
Most careers in ISE begin with a bachelor’s degree, usually industrial engineering or systems engineering. One might also have an undergrad degree in operations research or mechanical engineering. Your typical coursework might include operations research, statistics, and supply chain management.
Advanced Study
For those looking into highly specialized and/or leadership roles, an advanced education is likely a requisite. One of the most common degrees is an online master’s in systems engineering, which allows working engineers the chance to study while they continue in their careers, perhaps even applying the skills they’ve learned as they go.
Professional Certifications
An engineer can further improve their prospects with potential employers by getting additional certifications, such as:
- Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), in order to signal mastery of process improvement.
- Lean Manufacturing Certification, which is focused on reducing waste.
- PMP (Project Management Professional), which adds project management and leadership skills to one’s repertoire.
These certifications not only broaden your skillset, but show employers a deep commitment to continuous improvement.
ISE Jobs and Careers
So what exactly can you do with an industrial and systems engineering degree? There are a variety of entry, and mid-level roles for candidates with the proper degree and credentials, including:
- Industrial engineering, focusing on improving production workflows;
- Systems engineering, integrating technical and organizational systems;
- Manufacturing engineering; which is all about quality control and improving production processes;
- Logistics engineering (organizing and optimizing supply chains and distribution);
- Process improvement specialization, which is all about identifying and eliminating inefficiencies.
Adding a master’s degree to your CV broadens your career horizons even further, putting you in a position to enter a leadership role, such as operations director/manager, systems analyst, performance analyst, supply chain manager, consultant, or even CEO / CTO.
Industries that Hire Industrial and Systems Engineers
One of the big advantages of getting a master’s in industrial and system engineering is the versatility of the degree. With this degree in your back pocket, you’ll find yourself in demand across a wide variety of sectors, including:
Manufacturing and Production
This involves streamlining assembly lines, bringing down waste, and improving product quality.
Supply Chain and Logistics
For those who want to design or improve the efficiency of systems for distribution, transportation and warehousing,
Healthcare and Hospital Systems
Focusing on optimizing workflows, improving scheduling, and resource allocation to improve the lives of medical patients.
Aerospace and Defense
This entails managing complex projects having to do with safety and reliability when it comes to aerospace or defense technology.
Energy and Utilities
An engineer in this field is focused on making sure services are reliably delivered and resources used with maximum efficiency.
Information Technology and Data Systems
Improving systems integration and data management for organizations large or small.
Government and Public Sector
Contributing to infrastructure projects or being a part of disaster response, as well as transportation systems (highway, mass transit, etc)
You could also consider going into consulting services across one or more of these fields, advising any one of these industries on how they can improve their processes and optimize their systems.
Final Thoughts
ISE is a challenging career path, requiring both deep technical proficiency and strategic vision. But it’s one of the most versatile and rewarding careers for candidates on the engineering track.
If you’re someone who loves solving puzzles, improving systems, and making things work better for people, this field offers endless possibilities.
