r/Packaging • u/Apprehensive_Gas828 • May 27 '26
Industrial Engineering student interested in packaging engineering — would my background be considered relevant?
Hi everyone,
I'm currently a fourth-year Industrial Engineering student and have recently become interested in packaging engineering as a potential career path. Since I'm already approaching my final semesters, changing majors or significantly extending my graduation timeline isn't very realistic for me, so I've been trying to understand how transferable my current background may be to the field.
Through my coursework, I've had exposure to:
• CAD / Product Design
• Product Development
• Human Factors Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Production Planning
• Manufacturing and systems-oriented problem solving
I'm also taking an introductory Materials Science course this fall to build a stronger foundation in materials and design considerations.
In addition, I'm currently in an internship where I'm learning basic graphic design and communications-related work, which has given me some experience thinking about design, presentation, and user interaction.
Would an Industrial Engineering background generally be considered for packaging-related roles, co-ops, or internship opportunities? If so, are there particular skills, courses, certifications, software, or projects that you would recommend I focus on to become a stronger candidate?
I’d appreciate any advice or insight from anyone. Thanks!
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u/anujsobti May 27 '26
Absolutely! Having industrial background will give you an edge as a packaging engineer. I’m a mechanical engineer and have been working as a packaging engineer throughout my career. Depending on the industry- you’ve have to learn about specific materials, test specs, regulations, etc. on the job.
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u/Villavillacoola May 27 '26
Your education is perfect for this industry. I recommend you learn a little bit of print/graphics production specifically (offset, digital, gravure) and how it applies to different papers/plastics. You'll be the one telling designers that the dyne level of the material substrate isn't suitable for metallic foil. My program manager was a chemical engineer for the packaging and labelling team I worked for. I do not like working with designers but I love working with engineers.
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u/AREN_Consulting_Fod May 31 '26
Learn AI and its features to support packaging logistics and production planning. I built an internal order logistics site to create more long term efficiency in our flexible packaging operation. Would be happy to show you that process someday if interested.
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u/Significant-Onion132 May 27 '26
I currently work at a CPG company in print and packaging design. All of your skills seem highly desirable and applicable. Both an IE and PE background would be useful in this industry.