Navigating the PhD Path: Industrial vs. System Engineering for Academic Careers

Choosing the right path for your academic career after earning a Bachelor's degree and a PhD in Petroleum Engineering and a Master's in Engineering Management can be daunting. You have the option to pursue a PhD in either industrial engineering or system engineering, with the ultimate goal of becoming a lecturer in a university. However, understanding the job market and your personal interests will be critical in making the right decision.

Job Market Outlook for Academics

The job market for university faculty is competitive, especially in engineering fields. While a PhD in engineering is valuable, it may not guarantee a professor position at a university, especially in the US. Many universities seek candidates with established academic or industrial accomplishments, in addition to their field-specific education.

Understanding the Differences Between Industrial and System Engineering

Industrial Engineering (IE) focuses on improving efficiency, productivity, and quality through the application of engineering principles. System Engineering, on the other hand, deals with the design and management of complex, multifaceted systems, often involving multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

Both IE and SE opportunities are rewarding, but the right choice depends on your personal interests and career goals. Many engineering programs, especially in industrial engineering, include aspects of system engineering. Therefore, you don’t have to choose between the two fields.

Your Background and Interests

Given your background in petroleum engineering and your interest in system-level solutions, system engineering may be a better fit for you. Petroleum engineering inherently involves complex systems with numerous components, including transportation, safety, environmental concerns, and refinery processes. These areas align well with the principles of system engineering.

Transportation: Pipelines, rail, sea, road, and their integration in the oil and gas supply chain. Environmental Concerns: Managing environmental impacts of oil and gas operations. Safety Issues: Ensuring safe operations in oil and gas facilities. Refinery Flow Processes: Optimizing and managing the flow of materials in refineries. Regulations: Navigating the myriad of local, state, and federal regulations affecting the industry. Weather Issues: Understanding and anticipating weather patterns that impact oil and gas operations. Personnel Concerns: Managing and training personnel involved in oil and gas operations. Formulation Change-Overs: Managing the transition of new and existing formulations in the industry.

Your practical experience in the field can provide a valuable perspective in a system engineering classroom. Teaching at a graduate level in system engineering, as I have done, can be a rewarding experience. You can share your insights and real-world knowledge with students, enhancing their understanding of complex engineering systems.

Alternative Career Paths: Lecturing in Community Colleges

If full-time university lecturing is not your primary goal, consider alternative career paths. For instance, lecturing at a community college near oil and gas activities can be a practical solution. These institutions often seek lectures who can provide industry-relevant knowledge and experience. You can design courses that focus on the system-level aspects of petroleum engineering, catering to the needs of students entering the industry.

In summary, the choice between industrial engineering and system engineering for your PhD depends on your personal interests and career goals. Given your background in petroleum engineering, system engineering may be the better path. However, the decision should ultimately be guided by which field aligns most closely with your curiosity and passion. Regardless of your choice, leveraging your experience and industry knowledge can open up exciting opportunities in academia and beyond.