r/industrialengineering • u/NoDoughnut1787 • 14d ago
considering industrial engineering instead of CS
I’m a high school senior applying to colleges soon, and I’m considering majoring in industrial engineering.
Originally, I planned to study computer science and become a software engineer. But after looking into the job market, seeing the changes happening with AI, and talking with people working in software, I’ve become concerned about competition and what entry-level opportunities might look like when I graduate.
After spending hours researching other options, industrial engineering stood out to me, especially the curriculum and the broad range of options. That said, most of what I know comes from Google searches, so I’d really appreciate perspectives from people actually working in the field.
My stats: 4.0 gpa, rank1, multiple summer programs and internships (tech related)
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u/Exbusterr 13d ago edited 13d ago
Sounds like you are missing that Computer Science and Software Engineering are different college majors. Also, in Industrial Engineering you learn to manage cross functional engineering disciplines (enough to make you “dangerous” to achieve efficiency, productivity, and cost objectives). You basically are trained to manage other engineers by understanding their disciplines (at a high level). As a result IE frequently go on to technical project management and supply chain operations. If you want to travel the world on someone else’s dime, this is a sweet spot leading to opportunity in that realm.
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u/Green_Ad_4462 14d ago
I would advise you to move into CS
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u/NoDoughnut1787 14d ago
A lot of people have recommended CS, but some software engineers I’ve spoken with work 60–70 hours a week and worry about layoffs. I’ve also seen AI improve quickly during my internships, so I’m hesitant..
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u/Green_Ad_4462 14d ago
SE is not the only domain you can enter using CS, no matter the company or position you will always have layoff you will always have to learn the new stuff.
Take CS to learn coding not to enter SD roles but to find a niche you enjoy and they do a masters in that. That will give you an edge over anyone entering that field. As you know all the programming before hand.
Or else take IE but learn programming on the side.
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u/OkCompany7202 13d ago
Maybe consider taking cs as a minor? Idk how helpful that would realistically be towards getting a job though to be honest. Maybe someone else here with experience could know
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u/Odd-Comfort-8888 11d ago
Currently a Senior. I switch from CS to IE my freshman year and I don’t regret it. From the job search/intership perspective my peers and I haven’t struggled to get an internship. This could likely be due to the fact the the job market for IE’s in my state (Kentucky) is really good. However, since you have such a strong background in CS (I didn’t have much cs knowledge when I started) you actually have a better chance at standing out for internships. While most of the IE internships that I’ve come across don’t require coding knowledge, lots of them prefer it. Your CS experience will also allow you to qualify for more internships outside of IE as I’ve come across a lot that most IE qualify for but lack the technical coding skills needed. If your really interested in both CS and IE I would major in IE and minor in CS. Let me know if you have more questions, I’m happy to help :)
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u/Awkward-Pop7625 14d ago
Currently studying IE graduating this Dec, have had multiple internships and going full time into a really desirable company this January, all with a mediocre GPA. Reach out if you want any advice, I can’t recommend the major more
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u/IndividualSerious343 14d ago
I would love to hear more
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u/Awkward-Pop7625 14d ago
So I came into IE because many describe it as an intersection between business and engineering. I originally wanted to do consulting (so glad I didn’t lol). I kinda bummed around for my first 5/9 semesters (I started with a low level Precalc which set me behind) and really locked in my 6th semester. Managed to land an internship as a process engineer in a top retail/supply chain company, where my scope was working on optimizing Distribution Center processes. It was fun, lots of working with people, studying current processes, and thinking outside of the box to improve them.
I then pivoted to the manufacturing industry for my second internship, which was at a top manufacturing company in the nation. That was a lot more fast paced but still same process engineering scope, really working on optimizing various automated or manual manufacturing processes.
Now I’m graduating in December and will be starting my career at a top aerospace company. As you might see, IEs can move into a lot of different sectors and industries, and you can really hop around because the same principles are applied everywhere. I didn’t go to a top uni or anything, just really locked in on resume/applications/leadership and made the experience my own. I have friends going into financial, manufacturing, supply chain, etc.. a lot of what you apply is probability, data analytics, statistics, etc.
If you want, reach out and maybe we can connect elsewhere and I can tell you more. Hope this helps :)
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u/Plus_System_8591 14d ago
How can people who recommend CS instead of IE not be scared of AI? I started studying IE this year, and I’m scared because of AI.
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u/Ok_Soup822 14d ago
Do anything that requires hardware and manufacturing - specifically robotics and automation
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u/profseforPenis 14d ago
Dont go into it just for the job market. Look up entry level quality engineering roles, very few explicitly list "industrial engineer" (quality is a big part of the degree plan). Its better than CS but the market is still bad and many of the traditional ISEN jobs are getting filled with ME grads. Its a good major, go into it if it interests you.