As the global economy continues to evolve, industrial engineers must evolve with it - perhaps help lead it! In ISE at Virginia Tech we have seen the change first-hand as the employers seeking to employ our graduates has changed composition over time. The most notable change has been the increase in demand for industrial engineers in the area of services, whether inside a manufacturing firm (e.g., logistics) or in the services industry (e.g., financial services). We continually review our course material to ensure it is relevant for both our students and potential employers. In addition, many faculty are involved in research projects in this sector. A new research effort in ISE, part of the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi), and NSF funded Industy/University Cooperative Research Center, is involved in improving the flow of material in any setting. ISE research in the area of healthcare is another example of changing with the times to improve lives and society.
