What can you do with an ISE or an Engineering Management degree?
This is what some of our recent graduates are doing with their degrees.
Jacqueline Sinishtaj, Bachelor's in Industrial and Systems Engineering (minor in German), 2012
I work at DTE Energy in Business Analytics and Continuous Improvement. I help solve problems and identify areas for improvement. The best part is I am continually learning, from corporate operations to advanced statistical analysis methods. I get to apply the ISE techniques and methods I learned at Oakland to real world problems, which forces one to think outside the box. Currently I am working on projects involving Business Analytics and Continuous Improvement. Business analytics uses statistical methods for understanding and developing new insights into business performance. I also verify the Gas Dispatch forecast model, and test model performance compared to real time data.
I chose a career in Industrial and Systems Engineering because it is a very diverse field of Engineering. ISE's can work in any industry doing a variety of jobs from statistical analysis to line balancing to designing safer and more human friendly products.
Tyler Morgan, Master's in Engineering Management, 2012
My current position with Chrysler is Chassis Quality Engineer at the Conner Ave. Plant (the Viper Plant!). I completed the Chrysler Institute of Engineering program while getting my master's degree at Oakland University. During that time, I rotated between projects and Chrysler facilities including plants, engineering centers and suppliers. Now that I have my master's degree, I spend my days in my current position working on build, design and process issues for the Viper.
I chose Engineering Management for my master's because it applies well to what I do at Chrysler. The degree gave me decision making tools from engineering as well as important aspects from a MBA degree. Applicable quality management tools were also key, including SPC which correlates directly with day-to-day activities. I would strongly advise engineers who are interested in a useful and applicable master's degree to consider Oakland's Engineering Management Program.
John Tesluk, Master's in Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2012
In my current position at TARDEC, I work on the Interiors Blast Mitigation Team in Ground Systems Survivability. The main function of the team is to develop advancements in ground vehicle interiors to help the soldier survive in a blast, crash or rollover event. My main focus is project managing comparative testing of different restraint types, seats, air bags, interior trim and cargo retention. The testing is performed by modeling and simulation as well as drop tower and crash testing. My typical day consists of tracking the progress of the tests in progress, creating new test plans and working with contractors. The best part of my job is creating the test scenarios and analyzing the results because you get to see all the interactions.
I chose Oakland's Master's in ISE program to compliment my ME degree. ISE helps you to understand how systems work and how to optimize any situation.
Alex Bodea, Bachelor's in Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2011
After successfully completing 3 student co-op rotations, alternating school and work, I had the opportunity to join DTE Energy as a full time employee. I started in the Customer Satisfaction department and yes, I asked myself too what an engineer can do for Customer Satisfaction. In a few weeks I realized the possibilities, benefits and advantages of an ISE: Customer Satisfaction is just another example of the many ISE applications. The 3 main focus channels in Customer Satisfaction are what I consider the 3 backbones of the ISE: statistical analysis including quality, operations research and systems analysis.
The best part of my job is the never ending challenges created by the intangible products of the utility business, the variety and variability of the customer driven industry, and the complexity of the processes. These challenges are always keeping me focused, open-minded, and stimulating my creativity. ISE allows me to fulfill so many aspects of my professional life, as well as my personal life!
Sarah Gothamy, Master's in Engineering Management, 2011; Bachelor's in Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2009
As an Industrial and Systems Engineer at DTE Energy, I have participated in several continuous improvement projects aimed at streamlining processes and reducing cost. In order to improve a process, one needs to critically observe the process and have an understanding of how it works by mapping it out and identifying which areas require improvements.
I find Industrial and Systems Engineering a very rewarding and fulfilling career. The best part of my job is seeing the improvements and the savings that can come from the work that I have done. When I improve on a process, I am able to see the direct correlation of the work I have done and the impact it has on the company. This is the most rewarding part of my job, which is something that makes me want to go to work every day looking for new opportunities for improvements.
Bobby Tibedeau, Bachelor's in Industrial and Systems Engineering (minor in business), 2010
I am a Process Engineer at medical device manufacturer Enovate It. My job mainly deals with time studies, standard work instructions, plant layout (we are moving to a new building soon and I am responsible for the assembly line layout) and process improvement. I am also responsible for making assembly of our products run as efficient and productive as possible. The best part of my job is that every day is different, and that I split my time between an office and an assembly floor. I am also responsible for finding solutions to any problems that arise during production, and implementing them in a timely manner.
People who go into the production aspect of ISE should be prepared for a fast pace workday with new challenges that occur each day. The opportunity to face these challenges is why I chose ISE.
Elaine Avery, Master's in Engineering Management, 2010
I'm currently a product engineer at Hi-Lex working on Jeep Wrangler door systems. I'm responsible for the development of the door module assembly. I support all areas of development including design, validation testing and reporting, packaging, dimensional analysis, CAE analysis and root cause analysis. Supporting the assembly plants both at Hi-Lex and our customer, Chrysler, is also a large part of my job. If they have an issue with ergonomics, warranty, design, or anything else they come to engineering to solve. It is challenging at times, which is part of the fun of the learning curve. I work with all types of people, from assembly line UAW personnel to executives, to everyone in between, which is something I really enjoy.
The Master's in Engineering Management gave me a great mix of business and engineering knowledge. While I enjoy engineering, eventually I’d like to take my career to the business side of the industry, and I believe the Master's in Engineering Management gives me a great stepping stone to achieve this goal.