Designing a product, building a supply chain while keeping an eye on feasibility and costs: The work of industrial engineers is diverse and demanding - and very much in demand on the job market.

Where can I study industrial engineering in Germany?

The Department of Industrial Engineering is offered at numerous universities, technical universities, colleges and vocational academies in Germany.

Popular study locations include the University of Bayreuth, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the RWTH Aachen, the TU Berlin and the TU Dresden. In addition, every university places its own emphasis on training - more industrial engineering students tend to opt for a technical rather than an economic focus in their studies.

What are the requirements for studying industrial engineering?

As a rule, to study industrial engineering you need a high school diploma or equivalent university entrance qualification. Some universities also rely on a numerus clausus. However, this one moves more between the notes two and three.

Job interviews or selection tests are also common. At some training sites, applicants are required to complete a pre-study internship lasting about eight weeks. Those who want to become an industrial engineer without a high school diploma also have a good chance, because professional experience allows access. Likewise, the study program can also be taken part-time or in distance learning - for example, at the Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule near Darmstadt or the AKAD University, which has its headquarters in Stuttgart.

How is industrial engineering structured?

The Bachelor of Industrial Engineering comprises six semesters, the Master's four semester standard period of study. In addition to mathematics and physics, typical teaching contents include business law, management, communications, and business administration and economics. Also subject and business English can be on the syllabus. In addition or at the latest in the master can then also civil engineering, information and communication systems, transport, technical chemistry, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering are added.

Some training centers specialize in one area of ​​expertise, so it is worthwhile to check and compare the options in advance. The program is very practice-related.

What are the personal requirements for studying industrial engineering?

Budding industrial engineers need to be fit in math and physics. In addition, very good English is important. You have to be interested in technology and be able to think analytically, innovatively and interdisciplinary. Likewise, they should be well organized and able to withstand a high workload.

What career opportunities do I have with industrial engineering?

The job prospects for industrial engineers are excellent. Graduates can work in a variety of companies - primarily in mechanical engineering, vehicle construction, electrical engineering and construction. Depending on their training and personal inclinations, they can be found in offices, in controlling, in the field or in workshops, where they fulfill tasks in areas such as development, purchasing, project management, quality assurance or logistics. The career opportunities are also very good, according to professional associations, but this usually requires a master.

The starting salary for business engineers with a bachelor is between 34,000 and 41,000 euros gross per year. With a master's degree, up to 48,000 euro starting salary per year can be in it. However, as in many other occupations, salary increases with professional experience.

Likewise, the industry and the location are important factors for the future salary - currently telecommunications, pharmaceutical industry and the chemical and petroleum industry top employer for industrial engineers. Less important, however, is whether they have graduated from a university or college.

particularities

Engineering is considered a typical male subject - and it is also in many parts of Germany. But the women catch up after some training centers have revised their subjects. For example, at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, there is a degree program in Industrial Engineering Innovation Management Food, which has a high proportion of women. Also in combination with real estate management, industrial engineering is very popular among female students.

Those interested can use online self-tests to find out if the program is for them, for example here and here.