Based on your feedback, we're launching weekly articles to provide more detailed information on securing some of the best jobs out there for veterans, along with a list of four things you need to secure these jobs. This week's hot job: industrial engineering technician.
Traits
Industrial engineering technicians plan ways to use personnel, materials and machines effectively in factories, stores, health-care organizations, repair shops and offices. As assistants to industrial engineers, they help prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct statistical production studies and analyze production costs.
Individuals who are best suited to this position are detail oriented and have excellent analytical and mathematical skills. It's important to consider that the job requires a mix of engineering know-how with people skills; these technicians need to observe and understand the workings of a factory, store or office and communicate their analyses to higher-ups.
Education and Marketable Skills
High school students interested in becoming industrial engineering technicians should take courses in math, science and drafting, where available. Courses that help students develop computer skills are helpful when they later need to learn computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software, known as CAD/CAM. After high school, students interested in becoming industrial engineering technicians can continue at a vocational-technical school or at a community college or technical institute. Vocational-technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed by local employers. These programs generally award a certificate.
Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes, but there are more theory-based liberal arts courses in community colleges. Students who complete the program earn an associate's degree. Generally, prospective industrial engineering technicians should major in applied science, industrial technology or industrial engineering technology.
Helpful Resource
If you feel prepared and are ready to plunge into the job search, search for Industrial Engineering Technician jobs on Monster.com.
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