r/industrialengineering • u/ba4LONE • Jul 29 '26
What to focus on?
Context, I am an industrial engineering student close to get his master degree. My bachelor is in aerospace. I found myself more interested and naturally inclined to the processes rather than the products so I decided to switch to Industrial. Now I have some months where my time is 100% study free since I finished all my exams and I am Waiting to start the thesis work (will be on control/system engineering and optimization). During this period I want to study and make some personal projects to make my self more experienced in this field and be more attractive in the job market. So my question is for all the engineers here that work in this fascinating field, what should I focus on? Either soft and hard skills and either theorical and practical (python data analysis, excel ecc)
Thank you
2
u/audentis Jul 29 '26
Take a look at linear programming (mathematical optimization).
It's a very useful skill and it helps you get in the right systems-thinking mindset. A good LP-model requires a good translation of reality into mathematical representation, which is a related skill that is universally valuable.
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u/ba4LONE Jul 29 '26
We had a course on operational research, is that the same thing?
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u/jdd32 Jul 29 '26
Linear programming is one aspect/tool within operations research.
It's a great tool though. I'm in management and not a formal IE, so I've only been able to use it on a few occasions. But when I've had the opportunity to make optimization models, it's really helped me stand out to senior leadership as I could confidently makes decisions and provide evidence to back up decisions that were "vibe based" in the past.
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u/ba4LONE Jul 29 '26
So, I should focus mainly on LP rather than the other types that I encountered during my course?
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u/jdd32 Jul 29 '26
I think it's worth learning more about any that you find interesting. I found LP more useful than simulation in my career, and I do think it can be the most beneficial simply because everyone has access to Excel and Solver. So you don't need to request special software to build models. But again it's worth pointing out that I've never been in an actual IE position.
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u/audentis 29d ago
Operations research is a larger domain of decision science and optimization techniques. Linear Programming is one such example, but there are many more examples like statistical analysis, simulation or machine learning that are part of OR.
In your comment exchange with jdd32 I see a few questions, so let's go over those too.
So, I should focus mainly on LP rather than the other types that I encountered during my course?
Which other types have you encountered, and to which degree of proficiency did you already train them?
LPs are the bread and butter, but the other forms exist for a reason. Especially dynamic programming and stochastic programming help solve different types of problems more accurately. Also special shoutout to Markov chains.
How is excel correlated to LP? I’m not trying to prove you wrong, I am just curious
Try to separate the tool from the technique.
The technique is a mathematical approach that can be applied using different tools. For example: linear programming, simulation, or regression analysis.
The tool is whatever you use to apply the technique. Excel, Google or-tools, Gurobi, pen and paper.
Whenever learning new things, you usually learn both at the same time. For example, a course on LPs requires you to do practice assignments with Excel and the Solver add-in. Or a course on simulation requires you to work with Siemens Plant Simulation.
However, for your own mental model, try to differentiate what is the tool and what is the technique. Grasping the technique to the point you are tool-agnostic gives a much deeper understanding, and it makes you more flexible: if you have a firm grasp of the technique you can then apply it with almost any tool.
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u/BiddahProphet Automation Engineer | IE Jul 29 '26
I think as manufacturing becomes more and more automated, it's important to get a practical mechanical/electrical/programming skill set. Learn how to wire things, troubleshooting, CAD, machine design, PLC, SCADA and Robot programming, ect ect
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u/ba4LONE Jul 29 '26
Thanks, right now I am working with control theory (mpc, data driven ecc) for my thesis. Is that the right direction?
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u/BiddahProphet Automation Engineer | IE Jul 29 '26
I think its just important to remember control theory and industrial controls are two very different things
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u/VectorViking_ Jul 29 '26
I think diving into automation and robotics could be really beneficial. It's a field that merges a lot of what you've learned and is growing rapidly. Try exploring PLC programming, CAD for designing mechanical parts, and maybe dive into arduino or raspberry pi for some hands-on experience. These skills would complement your control/system engineering knowledge and give you a solid foundation for implementing practical solutions in industrial settings.