Should I switch to Mechanical Engineering?
2006-07-10 12:24:33 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I am a UM-Ann Arbor student, and I am a people-person! There are too many ME students at Michigan though, so why not stand out and be IOE...that's my thinking--plus I like it!
2006-07-10 12:32:04 · update #1
oh wow, crazy that I randomly came across this question. I just graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering in December. Now I am working on my Master's in Systems & Engineering Management (through the IE department).
Industrial engineering is a great degree because it has so many opportunities- you can work anywhere from a hospital to a manufacturing plant to a law firm. The basis of Industrial Engineering is improving efficiency and productivity- (trying to save a company money, reducing time, improving a process, etc.)
There are several different concentrations as well: Production, Ergonomics, Safety, Operations Research, Quality, etc. You could apply your degree to many different careers- you could be a traditional industrial engineer, project manager, supply chain analyst, quality controller, systems engineer, consultant (the list goes on and on...) and eventually in upper management (many CEOs and Presidents of companies have a degree in IE!) if you're interested in that route.
Mechanical Engineering on the other hand deals more with the actual design and production process. Ultimately, you need to do some soul-searching and figure out what you really want to do. However, rest assured, if you did get a degree in Industrial Engineering, it would definitely be worthwhile. Good luck with your decision!
2006-07-10 12:46:37 · answer #1 · answered by ellenpop16 2 · 7⤊ 1⤋
All Bachelor degrees take at least 4 years. Just go for Industrial Engineering. It would be extremely difficult to get a job with only an AS in Industrial Technology Management. Industrial Engineering is an interesting and fun field to work in. I know because I graduated in Industrial Engineering last year and I am now working in one of the largest engineering companies in the world. I love my job and my career choice.
2016-03-16 22:04:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You a UofM student? :) When I was a student there I knew a lot of IOEs including my ex-wife... They all found meaningful jobs. The challenge with IE/IOE is that not all companies understand the value of the degree and instead hire ME/Civil/etc., for the same jobs...
Talk to other alum who come on campus recruiting, they will help you make this call. It is also based on what you are interested in doing.
--Jeff, Portland OR - Go BLUE!
U-Michigan 1989 graduate (Computer Eng)
2006-07-10 12:29:26 · answer #3 · answered by Jeff A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, though Mechanical Engineering would likely give you more flexibility. Either one at this point would likely give you plenty of opportunities, as long as you do reasonably well in school. If you want a better idea look for the chance to work as an intern or in a co-op program in one or the other field. That's the best way to find out if you are really interested in the real-world version of the occupation.
2006-07-10 12:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by raknrun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am industrial engineer and got my diploma 16 years ago. I worked as a construction engineer for 1 year, then changed my career to software enginner. Money's better and job's cleaner!
Adding extra line: Just after submitting my answer I saw another answer just below mine from the guy from your school. he has the same degree, but check out his signature (computer engineer) :)) lol
So I was right, computers rule!!!
2006-07-10 12:29:26 · answer #5 · answered by Belarus94 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an industrial Engineer. I graduated about 3 years ago. One said you have a wide range of options, in our country it is true. but in the end it is up to you.
:D
Good luck on your choice.
2006-07-10 22:34:23 · answer #6 · answered by monique z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my experience, you have more flexibility with career options with Mechanical Engineering. Anywhere from petroleum, aero, or civil engineering type jobs. I speak from personal experience (Petroleum industry)
2006-07-10 12:30:40 · answer #7 · answered by buzzman_hst 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Red the help wanted and check ajb and other job sites.
2006-07-10 12:42:51 · answer #8 · answered by Chris G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A degree in anything is usually worthless. However, if you're smart and outgoing, you can find some use for it. If you're shy and quiet, usually any major will be a failure, like me.
2006-07-10 12:29:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
IE's are the guys who can't do the math. My personal experiance with IE's is you need about three of them to make a decent fire. Then they keep arguing between each other about how to rearange themselves to combust more efficiently.
They copt out in school so they could get a degree that reads "Engineering"
If you can't do math, get into Social Science, then you are "Scientist"
I'm kidding....I really like all IE's
They make good backstops for your dartboard.
Yours: Grumpy
2006-07-10 13:52:01 · answer #10 · answered by Grumpy 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋