Students who graduate from undergraduate programs in industrial technology generally find a job as an entry-level industrial technologist, industrial engineers, production managers or manufacturing engineers. Students who go on to receive a masters or doctoral diploma or certification can expect to find better, higher paying career in industrial technology jobs. Industrial technologists possess fundamental engineering skills and principles that help improve productivity in manufacturing or technical work. Programs for associates, bachelors and masters degrees are all available for those looking to enroll in an industrial technology program. To obtain entry level work, an individual must have at least a four year degree. The courses included in the undergraduate program for industrial technology include computer applications, operations management, organizational management and industrial and manufacturing processing.

Industrial technology includes jobs as production managers. Industrial technology jobs usually include work such as planning and coordinating production activities to make sure that production runs smoothly while staying within a set budget. Depending on the size of the business, they may also oversee one or more departments or even an entire manufacturing plant. Working in industrial technology also includes being responsible for aspects of production such as staffing, scheduling, quality control, inventory control, industrial engineer, equipment maintenance, coordination of plant personnel and procurement of materials and equipment.

Those working in industrial technology jobs also determine the most effective methods to use all aspects of production and these include people, information, materials and machines. The goal of someone trained in industrial technology is to increase productivity by using effective management and organization skills in combination with knowledge of current technology. The jobs opportunities included field such as manufacturing, utilities, government, medicine, transportation, food processing and manufacturing engineer.

Those who are working in one of the many fields for industrial technology jobs, have some primary duties, especially those who are manufacturing engineers. These include coordinating, planning and directing manufacturing processes. Some trained in industrial technology may also be responsible for maintaining and setting quality control standards as well as designing and laying out equipment within a production setting. They also may perform coordination work with outside vendors or businesses and process validation.

Individuals who have industrial technology training can voluntarily obtain certification from the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering. People who work in one of the industrial technology jobs and meet the ATMAE's employment and education standards as well as pass the exam are given status as a Certified Technology Manager or a Certified manufacturing Specialist. Advancement to Certified Senior Technology Manager or a Certified Senior Manufacturing Manager Specialist requires three years of professional experience along with 30 continuing education credits. Certifications are not required to obtain employment but do help with advancement within a company. It is up to the individual to decide on the program and education degree as well as the choice of certification. When searching for college look for one that offers the degree program you are seeking or at least offer credits that are transferrable to another institution offering opportunities for higher education.