Finding a job and picking a career are not one and the same thing. The first involves picking something
that can pay the bills, the latter puts you in a scenario where you embark on a voyage that will, eventually, result in self-actualization on a professional level. This is particularly true in some of the most lucrative fields, like manufacturing.
Now, the term “manufacturing” can mean a number of things so, to narrow this down a bit, we’ll try to list four potential careers that are definitely worth your attention.
1. Computer Hardware Engineer
One of the most interesting careers in manufacturing is that of computer hardware engineers. The core duty of this career is to design new computer hardware and create blueprints for computer equipment. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition, they test completed models and analyze the test results, so that subsequent modifications improve upon perceived flaws and achieve much-needed effects.
In this field, there’s much room for growth and advancement. Bear in mind also that there are a myriad industries that heavily rely on the use of base non-computer devices that, in turn, incorporate processors and other computer components. For instance, in the automotive industry, there’s a great need for parts embedded with computer systems. Similarly, this occurs in the medical field, as well.
2. Mechanical Engineering
Next, is the field of mechanical engineering. These professionals specialize in developing the likes of machine-driven devices and thermal sensors. Initially, you must, at the very least obtain a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. As this field is always in demand, the mean annual wage sits at around $90,000 with a massive potential for growth.
One more thought: upon becoming a mechanical engineer, you attain tremendous space for personal development. For instance, you can become a senior mechanical engineer or a lead mechanical engineer for a major corporation. Since mechanical engineering is applied in fields ranging from medical all the way to transportation and equipment manufacturing, finding work is rarely a problem.
3. Operations Manager
It’s important to stress the relevance of a great operations manager to present-day manufacturing. Success and productivity are not just about organizational skills and leadership, but also are the by-products of the ability to blend relevant and effective resources. For instance, a seasoned operations manager can use a platform like ERPAG to gain access to better material resource planning and more efficient contractor management.
Duties of an operations manager include both providing inspired leadership for the organization and posing as a bridge between the team and major stakeholders. Keep in mind that while your job may be closely tied to the industry in question, the truth is that your organizational skills, as well as your people skills usually make a much bigger impact than your technical knowledge. After all, the CEO of a major steel manufacturing company likely doesn’t know as much about the composition of steel as the company’s chemists.
Delegation is a key component of being a manager as each stakeholder is in charge of their own tasks and responsibilities.
4. Human Resources Manager
The role of human resources (HR) human resources (HR) in today’s world simply can’t be stressed enough. , the department is in charge of creating and revising job descriptions, which is a prerequisite for any hiring process. Moreover, once the hiring process actually commences, the human resources manager often takes an active part. Then, when a hiring decision is made, it’s the job of HR to develop, analyze and update the company’s salary budget and keep track of the company’s overall salary policy.
Also, bear in mind that even when employees decide to leave, many can still offer quite a bit of value. For instance, an exit interview is a unique opportunity to harvest some crucial feedback that then can be used to improve talent retention and staff loyalty.
Needless to say, this function too falls under the jurisdiction of HR. As administrative meetings are frequently the backbone of the modern business world, and HR is, in turn, a major participant, the importance of this department to the organization as a whole shouldn’t be overlooked.
Conclusion
At the outset, it is crucial to consider whether any given industry is right for you. An interesting conundrum lies in the fact that you won’t really know for sure until you make your initial choice. And with the majority of careers, this can be even a more challenging decision as the real work begins only after you embark on a particular job path. You also need to start training, studying and gaining experience. In other words, making the wrong choice can be a massive waste of your time and resources. So, be thoughtful and take the time you need to make sure that any choice that you might make is the right one for you.
