Future leaders must be proficient in a multitude of disciplines that enhance career abilities.  I chose Industrial Engineering (IE) at Lehigh because the IE curriculum allows students to take classes in both Industrial Engineering and Business.  Students also have the option to take several classes from the Mechanical, Material Science and Chemical departments. 

Industrial Engineering majors study and analyze optimization processes that can be applied to any branch of the industry.  We deal with real-world scenarios on increasing efficiency, reducing costs and earning greater profits.  An Industrial Engineering degree gives you the foundation to excel in consultancy, human resources and managerial positions.  I plan on using this knowledge in my home country of Peru to improve health and safety environmental procedures.  But ultimately, I wish to start my own entrepreneurial venture. 

I spent the last two summers working for SAB Miller in El Salvador, Central America.  Each summer was an entirely different experience, which provided me with the foundation to understand the organizational structure of any international corporation.  During my first internship, I worked in the marketing and sales department of the company and the second time, I interned within the finance department.  

If you like traveling, a challenging workload, math, programming, designing, accounting or investing, Industrial Engineering is for you.  A career in IE will make you a winner.  The fact that Lehigh’s IE/ISE department is ranked as one of the best in the country should also help you make your decision.