Industrial and manufacturing are the mainstay of the modern economy. The manufacture of many products, from automobiles to computers, depends on the skills of industrial and manufacturing engineers. They apply scientific principles and application of mathematics to develop products that meet the needs of society. In addition to this, they are responsible for managing production facilities, ensuring quality, safety, productivity and cost savings.
Manufacturing and industrial engineering professionals are two professions in engineering which combine technical, operational, communication and managerial skills. While they all share some common skills, manufacturing and industrial engineering graduates often perform very different jobs and fill very different roles in organizations. They communicate with factory workers and managers, design production processes and manage manufacturing operations. Some of the other responsibilities they may be given include: purchasing, building and maintaining equipment, designing and planning production techniques, and training present and future employees. As you can see, these jobs require different skill sets.
So what skills do the manufacturing engineering graduates have that will help them to fit into these jobs? The key is to have a strong educational background, along with some industry experience. Manufacturing and industrial engineering graduates who have completed a relevant training program often have good project management skills, as well as analytical and synthesistic Thinking skills. They will also have a solid understanding of the theory of management, statistics, economics, communication, and the arts. These graduates will often be aware of current technologies that they can apply to their job.
In addition to having good analytical and synthesistic Thinking skills, manufacturing and industrial engineering graduates should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should be detail-oriented and able to communicate their ideas and concerns to others. These individuals must be detail oriented, because they may need to take immediate action when a decision is required. Good communication skills are also important, so that the manufacturing or industrial engineers may learn new knowledge or techniques quickly.
Manufacturing and industrial engineering professions are challenging and interesting jobs for graduate students. Graduates will learn technical skills, and develop a detailed and analytical mindset. They may find themselves in an interesting situation many times during their career. Because these graduates will be involved with manufacturing, they may have to work with material and machinery, as well as operate machineries such as screwdrivers and drills.
These engineering professions also offer excellent earning potential for graduates. Many graduates find employment with large-scale manufacturing or other large companies, working on advanced machinery. A good way to increase your earning potential is to train yourself for specific positions. For example, you can train yourself to be a Quality Control Officer, or a Quality Assurance Officer.
You can also increase your earning potential by getting specialized training. An example of this would be obtaining an Information Technology and Computer Engineering degree, specifically specializing in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software development. This degree is perfect for those interested in Computer Aided Manufacturing, as it deals with the design and manufacture of precision, durable parts that are produced with just a few basic tools. Many colleges that offer engineering degrees also offer certifications. For example, there are several different certifications offered in the manufacturing area, including certifications for those with Associates degrees in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and certifications for those with Bachelors degrees in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
With all the opportunities available to graduates in the manufacturing engineering field, you can see why Industrial and manufacturing engineering careers are popular choices for young people today. You can be employed in a variety of places, and you’ll get to make contributions to society as well. In addition to your employment in a manufacturing setting, you can also work in the scientific and research arena, or in the leisure and entertainment industry. As you advance in your chosen career, you can enjoy a higher salary, more benefits, and even be able to purchase your own business. The possibilities are endless!