What is Industrial Engineering?
What is Industrial Engineering? It’s the “people person’s” engineering. Industrial engineers help make processes better.
Last Updated: 03/06/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
What is Industrial Engineering?
So what is industrial engineering? Simply put, industrial engineering focuses on finding better ways to do things. It combines engineering principles with the physical and social sciences to improve processes and systems. As a result, industrial engineering is often called the “people person’s” engineering. Industrial engineers work to improve quality and productivity while reducing waste in time, materials, money and energy.
Because industrial engineers understand both systems and people, many move into leadership roles. For this reason, they are often promoted to management positions. Likewise, industrial engineering is an excellent choice if you want to start or run your own business.
The CEO of the Future is an Industrial Engineer
Studies show that three times as many S&P 500 CEOs hold undergraduate degrees in engineering rather than business administration. As a result, engineering graduates often move into leadership roles across many industries.
In particular, industrial engineers help lead this trend among the next generation of professionals. Because they understand systems, people and decision making, they develop skills that support effective leadership. Consequently, many industrial engineers become tomorrow’s business leaders.
The Best Part of Industrial Engineering is its Flexibility
Industrial engineers are pushing the boundaries into new fields every day. These include:
- Nanomanufacturing
- Advanced Manufacturing/3D Printing
- Biomedical Manufacturing
- Healthcare Systems
Industrial engineers also work in:
- Service Industries
- Entertainment Industries
- Shipping and Logistics Businesses
- Consulting Firms
The World Needs More Industrial Engineers
As companies compete in the global marketplace, the demand for industrial engineers continues to grow. Consequently, organizations seek professionals who can improve efficiency and performance.
Industrial engineers specialize in productivity and quality improvement. Therefore, they help organizations design better systems and processes. In addition, they focus on reducing costs while increasing performance. As a result, companies rely on industrial engineers to stay competitive and operate more effectively.
Industrial Engineering Offers Workplace Freedom
Industrial engineering offers a unique mix of work environments. On one hand, you may work in an office where you analyze data and develop solutions. On the other hand, you may work directly in the environments you are trying to improve.
For example, when collecting data, you might observe staff working in a restaurant or watch employees assemble products in a factory. In contrast, when solving problems, you may return to the office to analyze the data you or your team collected. As a result, industrial engineering gives you a balance of analytical work and real world interaction.
Industrial Engineering Is All About Options
Industrial engineers work in nearly every industry and in many locations around the world. As a result, you can pursue opportunities in a wide range of fields. In addition, you may work both in the office and in the environments you are improving.
While working on projects, you will interact with people, processes and systems. Consequently, you gain insight into how organizations operate and how they can improve. This flexibility gives industrial engineers a strong career advantage over many other engineering disciplines.
Unlike some fields, industrial engineering does not require you to specialize in only one area. Instead, you can keep your options open and adapt your skills to different industries. As a result, industrial engineers often remain resilient amid economic changes or shifts within a specific industry.
At NC State ISE, in simple terms, we help society figure out how to do things better. We focus on the ‘how’ to improve productivity and quality. With industrial engineering functions required across every sector, our NC State ISE students align their personal interests with their career paths.
Careers in Industrial Engineering
When considering a career in industrial engineering, you may naturally ask, “Will I be able to get a job?” The answer is yes.
Because organizations constantly seek ways to improve efficiency and performance, the demand for industrial engineers remains strong. As a result, graduates often find opportunities across many industries. In fact, companies rely on industrial engineers to analyze systems, improve processes and reduce costs.
Therefore, if you pursue a degree in industrial engineering, you enter a field with strong career prospects and long term opportunities.
Industrial Engineering Continues to Grow
Employment opportunities for industrial engineers continue to expand. In fact, experts predict that industrial engineering jobs will grow faster than the average for many occupations over the next decade. As a result, graduates enter a field with strong demand and long term career potential.
At NC State, more than 93 percent of our students have a job by the time they graduate. Moreover, many secure positions before the start of their final semester. During the College of Engineering Career Fairs, more than 300 companies attend each year. Notably, over one third of these organizations specifically recruit industrial engineers.
Companies constantly search for ways to reduce costs and improve productivity. Therefore, they rely on industrial engineers to design more efficient systems and processes. In addition, industrial engineers help organizations reduce delays, eliminate waste and improve overall performance. Consequently, demand for these professionals remains strong, even in industries experiencing slower growth.
Because industrial engineers develop strong analytical and leadership skills, many eventually move into management roles. As a result, the career path often leads to expanded opportunities and leadership positions.
Ultimately, it is an exciting time to become an industrial engineer. These professionals solve important problems, and there is never a shortage of challenges to address.
For information about the industrial engineering profession, consult these links: