Co-op opportunities are plentiful and students may choose from a variety of assignments in heavy manufacturing industry, governmental agencies, hospitals, and small businesses. A limited number of international co-op assignments are also available. It is not surprising to find IEs employed in hospitals, banks, military airlines, government, railroads, retail stores, insurance companies, forestry, agriculture, and other organizations. Because IEs serve such a broad cross-section of work environments, job functions also vary. The analytical skills developed by industrial engineers serve well beyond purely technical and manufacturing functions.
IEs move into upper management positions because of their unique skills and experience.
In a survey of their members, the Institute of Industrial Engineers found that thirty-three percent were in middle or top management. Over fifty percent reported holding supervisory positions. Recently the demand for IEs in the workforce has increased substantially due to the need for organizations to improve their productivity in order to compete both domestically and globally. Likewise, non-profit organizations must have high productivity in order to sustain its position as a useful service unit. The health field offers a good example.