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Which engineering is closest related to business?
Hi, I am a senior in high school and I'm wondering which engineering is closest to business. I like problem solving and calculus is a class that I enjoy- not love, but enjoy. I want to major in accounting and I know accounting and engineering are very different but I'm just trying to learn as much as I can. Would you also please explain this type of engineering that is closest to business or incorporates it as well? Thank you
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7 answers
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Ivana,
I am not going to repeat anything others already mentioned. In addition to all that was said, you may be surprised that Software Engineering may also be a good one. Data mining, especially using the now very in-fashion Machine Learning and artificial intelligence, fits what you enjoy:
a lot of calculus and problem solving.
Something to consider at least.
I am not going to repeat anything others already mentioned. In addition to all that was said, you may be surprised that Software Engineering may also be a good one. Data mining, especially using the now very in-fashion Machine Learning and artificial intelligence, fits what you enjoy:
a lot of calculus and problem solving.
Something to consider at least.
Mickael, thank you!
Ivana
Updated
Katrina’s Answer
If you like problem-solving and calculus, Industrial Engineering and Data Science are a couple of business-specific engineering disciplines that you could explore in more detail.
Industrial engineers focus on optimizing and solving problems on the operational side of manufacturing and goods production. Industrial engineers spend a lot of time thinking about processes, people, and cost. As an example, my coworker’s mom is an industrial engineer and has worked the majority of her career working at pharmaceutical companies. At times her job required her to improve the process of shipping medication, taking into consideration things like the physical dimensions of the packaging, mode of transportation, and approval processes.
Data Science involves pure mathematics and some amount of programming skills (but not as much as software engineers). Businesses need Data Scientists to help them make strategic decisions based on data. For example, my sister is a Data Analyst and works at a startup where she compiles lots of different data points about the product to help the sales team close deals with customers.
One last thing: Consider the things you enjoy in everyday life and the related industries you could work in. For example, if you like surfing, you could become a Data Scientist for a business that sells surfing equipment. But don’t limit yourself to one industry right off the bat. As you gain experience in your career, you can change the industry you work in.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm
https://emeritus.org/blog/how-to-become-a-data-scientist/
Industrial engineers focus on optimizing and solving problems on the operational side of manufacturing and goods production. Industrial engineers spend a lot of time thinking about processes, people, and cost. As an example, my coworker’s mom is an industrial engineer and has worked the majority of her career working at pharmaceutical companies. At times her job required her to improve the process of shipping medication, taking into consideration things like the physical dimensions of the packaging, mode of transportation, and approval processes.
Data Science involves pure mathematics and some amount of programming skills (but not as much as software engineers). Businesses need Data Scientists to help them make strategic decisions based on data. For example, my sister is a Data Analyst and works at a startup where she compiles lots of different data points about the product to help the sales team close deals with customers.
One last thing: Consider the things you enjoy in everyday life and the related industries you could work in. For example, if you like surfing, you could become a Data Scientist for a business that sells surfing equipment. But don’t limit yourself to one industry right off the bat. As you gain experience in your career, you can change the industry you work in.
Katrina recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Ivana
Updated
Shaye’s Answer
Great question. Most if not all types of engineering are specialized at the college level. However a lot of colleges and universities offer dual degrees and/or minors in addition to the major. The people from my engineering school who had interest in both areas have a major in engineering (mechanical, chemical, etc) plus a minor in business (economics, accounting, etc), that or a dual engineering + business degree. If you're interested in targeting both for education, I highly recommend an engineering major + business minor, instead of the other way around. There are reasons why:
There are a lot of job opportunities after college to combine business to your engineering degree such as Engineering Sales, Business Development, Program/Project Management, Engineering consulting. Heck even when I was working as a Chemical Engineer I had to put together budgets for my projects. You'll encounter business in one way or another while working as an engineer. It's easy to learn and branch into business if you have an engineering degree, but it's NOT the same level of opportunities if you start with an accounting major and wanted to branch into engineering.
In addition, if you still wanted to further go into business in the future, business schools love to recruit engineers for their MBA programs, or other high level business programs. It is much easier to get admitted with a technical background.
If you like problem solving and calculus, I recommend to go for engineering instead. Take the advice with a grain of salt and use your own judgement because only you know what you like.
There are a lot of job opportunities after college to combine business to your engineering degree such as Engineering Sales, Business Development, Program/Project Management, Engineering consulting. Heck even when I was working as a Chemical Engineer I had to put together budgets for my projects. You'll encounter business in one way or another while working as an engineer. It's easy to learn and branch into business if you have an engineering degree, but it's NOT the same level of opportunities if you start with an accounting major and wanted to branch into engineering.
In addition, if you still wanted to further go into business in the future, business schools love to recruit engineers for their MBA programs, or other high level business programs. It is much easier to get admitted with a technical background.
If you like problem solving and calculus, I recommend to go for engineering instead. Take the advice with a grain of salt and use your own judgement because only you know what you like.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Ivana
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Hello,
Engineering is used in all facets of business. IT, manufacturing, supply chain management, Business Consultants, Management Consultants, project management and other fields use engineering to solve problems. Engineers typically identify problems and find solutions to make a business or process run better. By taking engineering and business classes you will be able to apply that knowledge to a lot of industries. I recommend looking at schools that have a business/engineering curriculum.
Good luck.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/engineering-and-business-dual-degree
https://www.lebow.drexel.edu/academics/undergraduate/degrees-and-programs/business-and-engineering/career-opportunities
Engineering is used in all facets of business. IT, manufacturing, supply chain management, Business Consultants, Management Consultants, project management and other fields use engineering to solve problems. Engineers typically identify problems and find solutions to make a business or process run better. By taking engineering and business classes you will be able to apply that knowledge to a lot of industries. I recommend looking at schools that have a business/engineering curriculum.
Good luck.
Aaron recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Ivana
Updated
Archived’s Answer
Usually project managers for engineering-related products and services need to have some accounting and business background. Many folks interested in project management will go for a certification, but usually after they have some job experience. Have a look at https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp (known as PMP certification).
As one of the other responders suggested, you may want to go for an engineering degree with a minor in business administration. Once you have some job experience, you can consider getting PMP certification.
As one of the other responders suggested, you may want to go for an engineering degree with a minor in business administration. Once you have some job experience, you can consider getting PMP certification.
Thank you, Stephen for the advice.
Ivana
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hey Ivana - I would focus on a dual major. Computer Science and Accounting are very different areas. I don't quite think there are software engineers for accountants.
In a corporate environment a sales engineer would probably be the closest to a business engineer. This type of position works with external companies to design a or tweak product around their needs.
Another potential avenue is to major in computer science and pick up a minor in finance or accounting to pick up business acumen.
In a corporate environment a sales engineer would probably be the closest to a business engineer. This type of position works with external companies to design a or tweak product around their needs.
Another potential avenue is to major in computer science and pick up a minor in finance or accounting to pick up business acumen.
Thanks, I am dropping the engineering idea after doing more research.
Ivana
Updated
David’s Answer
It depends upon what role you would like to play in a business. Pathful Connect links working adults of various professions with high school students so the adults can present (virtually) details that answer the following questions:
What is it like to be a ____________?
What are the best and worst parts of the typical job?
What steps do students need to take if they want to become a ___________?
How does what the students are learning connect to this career?
What is the average salary for this position?
What does a typical work-day look like?
I recommend that you learn from professionals before you decide.
After working as a manufacturing engineer for many years, I now have a small business that benefits greatly from my design and manufacturing background. However, sales and marketing, accounting, and even customer service abilities all come in handy.
See if your school can have various professionals provide answers to the aforementioned questions and any others that are important to you and your classmates.
Join professional organizations in your area. Speak with members about their careers. Often, membership costs for students are minimum to none.
What is it like to be a ____________?
What are the best and worst parts of the typical job?
What steps do students need to take if they want to become a ___________?
How does what the students are learning connect to this career?
What is the average salary for this position?
What does a typical work-day look like?
I recommend that you learn from professionals before you decide.
After working as a manufacturing engineer for many years, I now have a small business that benefits greatly from my design and manufacturing background. However, sales and marketing, accounting, and even customer service abilities all come in handy.
David recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Ivana