<p>I'm a business major right now but I'm considering to change to Industrial Engineering. With the crappy economy these days and so much outsourcing, would IE be a good major to switch to? What's the job security for this type of career? Any industrial engineers that could give some advice? thanks</p>
<p>It is my understanding that the constant, looming threat of outsourching translates into good work opportunities for industrial engineering because businesses here in America have to rely on innovation, cost cutting etc. to compete with China, India etc.</p>
<p>You see, while our manufacturing industry has taken a severe hit, its still there. Assumably, we will always produce some goods. And while we are producing, we are going to have the challenge of producing it at a rate that can compete with other countries. Thats how we've always survived.</p>
<p>I agree. Outsourcing may actually be a good thing. Another way to look at it is that there will be a greater need for global supply chain management, which translates into more work for IE's.</p>
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You see, while our manufacturing industry has taken a severe hit, its still there. Assumably, we will always produce some goods. And while we are producing, we are going to have the challenge of producing it at a rate that can compete with other countries. Thats how we've always survived.
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<p>Actually, the manufacturing industry- in terms of actual output - has not taken a hit. In fact, before this recession, we manufactured more products domestically than we ever did in the nation's history. {Obviously the recession has resulted in the decline of economic activity in all areas, including manufacturing.}</p>
<p>In each of the past 60 years, U.S. manufacturing output growth has averaged 4 percent</p>
<p>Is</a> U.S. manufacturing base really shrinking?</p>
<p>What has taken a severe hit is manufacturing employment. That has indeed declined. But we continue to produce plenty of goods at an increasing rate, due to increasing productivity which allows for greater output with fewer workers. </p>
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I agree. Outsourcing may actually be a good thing. Another way to look at it is that there will be a greater need for global supply chain management, which translates into more work for IE's.
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<p>That is, until the foreign IE's themselves figure out how to manage global supply chains! Then that work may be outsourced to them also. </p>
<p>The fact is, all engineering work can be outsourced in theory. The question is really about whether it makes sense to do so. Not all outsourcing projects save money. It is actually quite difficult, from a management standpoint, to administer outsourced projects. The cost savings from the project have to exceed the higher administration costs.</p>
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The fact is, all engineering work can be outsourced in theory. The question is really about whether it makes sense to do so. Not all outsourcing projects save money. It is actually quite difficult, from a management standpoint, to administer outsourced projects. The cost savings from the project have to exceed the higher administration costs.
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<p>For the most part outsourcing engineering does not make a lot of sense. I think engineering is a profession that is more cost efficient not to outsource. </p>
<p>To decide NOT to major in engineering because of something like outsourcing is just silly.</p>
<p>You have good points, but with companies bringing engineers from other countries into the US, will there be good job prospects? I mean I'm looking for a career in which it will be hard to replace people.</p>
<p>you pretty dont much dont have to worry about companies bringing people here who will take away all the jobs in IE.</p>
<p>Congress has approved 200,000 immigrant visas and 60,000 H1-B (temporary working visas) per year. Thats for ALL people who move here - so a small portion will be IE.</p>
<p>Since the US is almost at crisis point because of the lack of engineering graduates, there's not much to worry about.</p>
<p>Besides, enigneering is one of the most secure jobs there is.</p>
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You have good points, but with companies bringing engineers from other countries into the US, will there be good job prospects? I mean I'm looking for a career in which it will be hard to replace people.
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<p>I'm not sure what you mean. People move to the U.S. seeking work and some of them are engineers but I don't know of companies actually importing engineers for themselves. </p>
<p>You major in any form of engineering and you will have good job prospects...</p>