Careers with an industrial engineering degree
Studying Industrial Engineering prepares you to become an optimization expert, combining math, engineering and human behaviour to improve productivity, safety and quality across a range of industries.
What can I do with my degree? You’ll be prepared for careers in operations, project management and process improvement across manufacturing, health, logistics and beyond.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Analyze and optimize complex systems and processes, involving people, resources, information, energy and equipment
Communication:
Present technical findings through clear reports, presentations and visuals
Management and organization:
Streamline and manage projects and processes across production, distribution and service settings
Teamwork:
Collaborate in diverse teams to analyze and improve real-world systems
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get one-on-one support with your math courses from a math tutor.
- Attend learning services workshops to learn how to effectively approach problem-solving and manage time during exams.
- Explore research opportunities and labs within the MIAE department.
- Get involved with student groups like the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers or other student societies to connect with peers in your field.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation sessions.
- Consider Co-op or a Career Edge internship to gain professional work experience during your program.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.
- Engage with IISE Concordia Chapter events to expand your skill set and find mentorship opportunities that help guide your next steps.
- Consider taking graduate-level courses if you are planning on pursuing a graduate program at Concordia after your degree.
- Visit the Gina Cody School Makerspace if you need specialized equipment for 3D printing, woodworking, metal working or electronics.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
- Start thinking about your Capstone project and how to make the most of your final year.
Final year
- Learn about the process of becoming an engineer in Quebec.
- Apply to be a teaching assistant to gain experience.
- Tune into The Iron Ring Podcast to explore cutting-edge topics and industry insights.
- Prepare to present your capstone or pitch an idea with FutureBound’s public speaking and storytelling workshops.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Integrated path in Industrial Engineering: Begin graduate-level coursework while completing your bachelor’s degree.
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional organizations
Explore opportunities and expand your network.
- Engineers Canada
- Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
- Institute of Industrial Engineers
- International Council on Systems Engineering
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers
- Society of Women Engineers
- Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
- Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
Job banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
