Why did I choose Industrial Engineering:
Quite frankly, it was my second choice. I barely knew anything about IE, except that it's industrial (business) and engineering (math and science), which are the three subjects I'm most interested in. I thought then that it would be a combination of those three and would resolve mostly among them. That seems a good enough reason to pursue the course.
About my college education:
Basically, Industrial Engineering deals with creation, management and or improvement of systems such that it's elements (people, machine, energy, etc.) are working harmoniously/integrated well, resulting to higher efficiency, productivity, and quality (essentially, any good output).
We were thought how to identify problems and what we can do to improve/solve them. However, we don't just stop there. Our ultimate goal is bring the system (and it's performance) asymptotic to perfection.
The subject in, or at least the aspect of, IE that I find most difficult is quantifying stuff (problems and improvements). It is often better that we be able to provide specific details, particularly cost and other values, to the information we give so that decision-making is easier. Exams were, as often exams are, difficult to those who were not able to comprehend the lesson.
I would say the most useful thing I have learned in IE is not a particular subject, but a concept. Because of it's nature to always seek perfection, we, as IE, are taught never to settle, to always think outside the box, or, better yet, to think that no such box exists. It allowed me to broaden my mind to endless possibilities, which is extremely useful in anything I do outside of work or school.
IE requires an innovative and creative mind, both of which can be learned.
My current job:
I currently work as an customer management specialist, where I communicate to the market regarding supportability of their demand and to the Supply Chain regarding new orders, etc. I also handle issue with regards to our products and how we can arrest said issues. Aside from that, I also analyze the company's position in terms of it's inventory.
Am I using what I learned in college:
Definitely. IE concepts can be applied to just about any decision-making people encounter. Maybe, it won't be as specific as to which IE tools to use when deciding for things to buy, etc. But the general concept of it is pretty useful.
In my current job, IE may not be as evident as one would think, but ultimately, there is an underlying IE concept there that I may already be implementing on instinct. IE is, in some ways, instinctive.
How long did it take to find a job:
It was pretty easy for me. The job looked for me. My company was looking for trainees and I was evaluated even before I graduated. We went through a series of tests, however, filtering out the "best of the best". The official job offer came about a week after I graduated.
Do I recommend studying Industrial Engineering:
There are plenty of opportunities for IE students after graduating. IE is very practical and appeals to anything with areas for improvement (which is almost every company out there). IE is, in a sense, broad and can be applied to just about any job out there.
Often, IE are placed in manufacturing companies, because that's where most of the concepts came about and specifically applied. IE is most evident in production lines, but it can be used anywhere else.
Salary-wise, from my own and my batchmates' experience, salary is almost the same as any UP graduate (not low as to minimum wage, but not exactly high either).
But, the great thing about being an IE, being the broad course that it is, and consequently, the broad knowledge an IE graduate has, it is relatively easy to course through the ranks. We're generally "jack of all trades" so we can manage more stuff. But, that is not to say we have an edge with regards to promotions. It still depends of the how the employee works.
The salary of an IE, experience or not, is also somehow related to the importance the company gives it's IE. Manufacturing plants treat IE as extremely significant in maintaining smooth operations so they give relatively higher salaries. The current trend though, I think, is that IE is becoming more and more in demand, not just in manufacturing but also in service companies.
Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course:
My advise would be to know what you're getting yourself into. This is not specific to those who are considering BSIE. This would include more research about your course and your campus. College is one heck of a ride and it would be best if you know what you really want.
Was this review useful to you?