How do you network with other industrial engineers online and offline?

There are many online communities for industrial engineers, such as LinkedIn groups, Slack channels, and forums. These communities are a great way to connect with other engineers, share ideas, and learn new things.

Online meetings help when absolutely necessary (bad weather, long distance, scheduling conflicts), but it not should be used as a replacement for face to face connections. Being in the same room with someone gives them a better chance to get to know you and understand your abilities. In person events also gives you the opportunity to listen and discuss multiple topics with people which can be difficult when it’s over an online zoom meeting. Regardless of either method, the key factor is become involved in events where you make connections as well as learn something to improve your skills.

Creating new material is important, but the sharing part is critical. Currently technology and new methods are evolving at rapid pace and keeping up with them is becoming more difficult. Not only is keeping up with them difficult, but knowing that they even exist can be a problem too. With online communities and social media, sharing your work, theories, studies, etc. has become much easier. Once you post material it gives people in different fields or those who want to learn more an opportunity to see what is available. Then they have the option to get in touch to discuss your work and learn more. Presenting at conferences, meetings, or online can be time consuming but the value of contributing with others makes a considerable difference.

There are many professional organizations for industrial engineers, such as the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These organizations offer a variety of networking opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and mentoring programs

I used to be a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, formerly the American Institute of Industrial Engineers sponsored by the Company I worked. Members are used to receive articles and technical papers about industrial engineering. This was then before pre-internet era.

Fellow alumni will have the same basic education in industrial engineering as you do, however their career or post education may be different. Similar to networking with other professionals, take the time to contact alumni who are in a field that you have an interest in or want to learn about. Having attended the same school should make the conversations easier to start and continue than with a stranger. In addition to reaching out make sure you take the time to be available to fellow alumni as well. Again, as well regular networking, it’s a two way street.