At louisiana tech, where I am going to be going, the ie department does not have any classes that are not required for it’s degree, besides industrial safety. So, my single tech elective that I am allowed to take, plus some other classes that I will probably decide to take since I have holes in my schedule, must be chosen from another department. What classes do y’all think would be most useful in making me a better ie, or a possible fit for let’s say a mechanical engineering job. I mention mechanical engineering because the HR manager, who I am friends with, for our local timber company told me they only advertise for ME and EE, but they would be open to hiring someone from another discipline if they did well in the interview and seemed like a good fit. I am trying to think of about 2-4 classes I could take.
I am thinking about maybe financial mathematics and linear algebra (I am required to take intro to linear algebra) this would also earn me a math minor, and yes I know the formality of the minor is not important. Also considering computer aided modeling (a ME class) or dynamics. I’m open to any math classes, construction managment classes (called construction engineering technology at latech), any engineering or physics classes, and even any classes outside of the STEM field if you think they could help me. Latech also allows (with special permission) for a senior to take 3 hours each quarter toward a graduate degree, so I could take some graduate courses in ie, and if i ever return to school for an msie or a masters in engineering managment I would have 9 hours out of the way. Also, if I got what I want in life, i would be a plant manager at one of the small plants in my small hometown, just in case that could affect y’all’s decisions.
Thanks in advance
On ME, have you thought about switching majors? I don’t think anyone would recommend a career in ME, with an IE degree. If not, Louisiana Tech does offer a minor in ME.
They also offer a minor in IE, so if you can switch, you can still take advantage of any IE classes you may have already taken.
Putting that aside, you need to determine what you WANT to do as an IE. That usually drives what type of electives to take. The best way to figure that out is by talking to other students, IE recruiters at job fairs, and doing the research. Also, talk with your IE undergraduate advisor.
Louisiana Tech has an Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) group, you should join them. It’s a great source of info and contacts.
Top 5 Employers of Louisiana Tech Industrial Engineering Graduates
Cameron
Lockheed Martin
Entergy
Folgers Coffee
Baxter Healthcare Systems
In general, the most popular electives/minors with IE is CS and math classes.
If you like the ME side, perhaps a manufacturing course would be helpful. If you like the more analytical side, I would recommend math/CS. My daughter is minoring in CS and also taking additional math beyond the requirements.
Thank you for the advice! I did just think about something else though…how about taking a couple supply chain management courses? Many ie departments claim that their students can move into careers in supply chain management, so they must be related enough for a few classes to be beneficial. Also, latech offers both an ie degree and supply chain management degree so they must be different enough to not be repetitive and redundant, right?
I have a Masters in IE and we had a little taste of supply chain management in our program. If you want to take one or two supply chain management classes, that would certainly work. I think of it as a practical application of IE.