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What do you guys think about industrial engineering? Do you think it's a worthy engineering major? I heard you work in factories a lot.... which i think sucks.

By Drusba (Drusba) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 09:39 am: Edit

You probably need to do a little study into what industrial engineering actually is. Simplified it is developing and implementing sytems and methods that produce or deliver goods or services in the most efficient manner at optimal cost (not necessarily cheapest). I guess there may be some IE's that actually work in factories if they are working on a particular project there at the time but IE's are found in all kinds of industries -- manufacturing, transportation, hospitals, service industries, etc., and most of them are doing there daily work in nice offices (although every one of them I know cannot possibly keep his or her desk clean). For example, it is probably an industrial engineer that figured out when Fed-x was first started that the most efficient and cost-effective way to operate and avoid any misdirection of packages was to actually have all packages sent to one location -- Atlanta -- and then send them out for delivery from there.

It is an excellent major. It is somewhat easier of an engineering major than computer, electrical or machanical engineering. However, I emphasize that "somewhat." Anyone majoring in any engineering field is going to be doing a lot of work in college.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 12:42 pm: Edit

I just graduated as a chem-e, so here's some advice: I wish I had known going in exactly what graduated chem-es do for a living. Looking at it now, it's not what I want. Before you even apply somewhere, find an industrial engineer and follow him/her around for a day, see if you can see yourself doing that 250 days/year for 40 years. Problem with engineering is you do lock yourself into one field. Good luck!

By Dhf1720 (Dhf1720) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 12:57 pm: Edit

What is the difference between materials engineering and chemical engineering? thanks.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 06:34 pm: Edit

Materials science and chemical engineering are related in some ways. Chem-e is focused on plant design, production, process control; basically, you learn what you need to know for a factory. It allows for some electives, which can include polymers or materials, depending on the school. There is usually a background course in materials science that must be taken.

Materials science is like crossing chemistry and mechanical engineering. A lot of the work is in structure and strength of materials; how different materials affect the properties of a composite; polymer chemistry is important. Personally, I prefer materials science.

My bachelor's is in chem-e, but my research has all been in materials; you can do chem-e undergrad and materials grad. According to your profile, you're at the Univesity of Kentucky, which has an outstanding programme in nanotechnology. If I'm not mistaken, they manufacture and process their own nanotubes (MWNT). Look into it; I've attended a conference with some of the people in it, and their work is awesome.

If you have questions, or if this didn't fully answer the question, email me.