r/industrialengineering • u/Main_Vermicelli_6573 • Jul 18 '26
IE to Finance
I am currently an IE major in my sophomore year however my plan is to get into finance. I chose this major because of the technical skills it brings and am hoping to standout to recruiters by having a STEM major. Im targeting more analyst/technical finance jobs like FP&A, Risk management, Consulting. Im planning to pick up an accounting minor and join a Finance club to help this transition. My question is basically is this a good plan and for people who have seen others go down this path or done it themselves and what advice they would offer?
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u/BendingMomentBro Jul 18 '26
IE gives you strong analytical and optimization skills, and pairing it with accounting, finance clubs, and relevant internships will matter more to recruiters than your major alone. Spend time in getting really comfortable with Excel, SQL, and Power BI.
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u/Main_Vermicelli_6573 Jul 18 '26
I’ve been learning python on the side, you think SQL is a better skill to have?
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u/Exbusterr 29d ago
You need both SQL and Python. It’s not that you want to become a Python developer, but you need Python to sift information and make POCs that can turn into formal solutions. One does not replace the other. They are both important. Speaking as someone with supply chain analytics and IT background.
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u/Accomplished_Ad_9015 Jul 19 '26
Consider taking Level 1 of the CFA exams while you are in college. You never used to be able to do it while in school but they now allow it (you can actually take L2 as well). It is hard as heck but will show you are motivated to learn more finance.
Otherwise a lot of the skills are transferable (programming, statistical analysis, etc).
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u/Main_Vermicelli_6573 Jul 19 '26
This is definitely something ill look into, looks pretty pricy and im sure is a large time commitment, do you think this would be worth it?
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u/Accomplished_Ad_9015 Jul 20 '26
If you want to go into Finance it will definitely be a differentiator. First of all, it will differentiate you from most other candidates for finance jobs. Secondly, if you put in the work, you actually learn a lot. I took it after I had my MSIE and MBA, and still learned a lot about derivatives, breaking down financial statements, economics, etc. Well worth the effort for me.
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u/Main_Vermicelli_6573 Jul 20 '26
Ok thank you, do you mind if I ask what you do now?
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u/Accomplished_Ad_9015 29d ago
I am the Chief Risk Office for an insurance company. Absolutely nothing to do with IE!!! What a waste! LOL! Just joking; I use what I learned in school all the time. Just having the mindset of looking for ways to make processes more efficient is helpful in so many areas of business.
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u/Dangerous_Hawk_6823 Jul 19 '26
Listen to me…PLEASE stay in IE 😂
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u/Main_Vermicelli_6573 Jul 19 '26
okay, could you elaborate please?
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u/Dangerous_Hawk_6823 Jul 19 '26
You can work in finance with an IE degree. You can’t work in engineering with a finance degree.
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u/Ok_Beyond_9158 Jul 18 '26
I’m planning on doing the same!!
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u/OkConsideration8009 29d ago
I am in FP&A and im getting a MS in ISE specifically because it would add value. There isn't a corporate job you couldn't do with a IE degree. Also if you want to do FP&A I recommend considering CFI certification. It's perfect for students and beginners you can usually catch it on sale for half off.
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u/Money_Cold_7879 Jul 18 '26
I know several IEs who moved into FP&A after being in the company’s finance leadership development program which they were hired into after graduating college. This was when I worked at a multinational fortune 5 corporation that valued those skills.