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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

MANUFACTURING

The manufacturing sector involves the mechanical, physical and chemical transformation of materials into new products, and it offers incredible opportunities for individuals who want to drive innovation and respond to the ever-evolving needs of business and society. Roles in this field include hands-on careers as well as those that lead and support organization or business needs. 

Academic Pursuits

From hands-on manufacturing roles to the important positions that support the manufacturing sector, there are a variety of skillsets and academic pursuits that lead into rewarding manufacturing careers. UW Oshkosh students who pursue a career in manufacturing benefit from professors who have real-world experience as well as state-of-the-art classroom technology and a large number of internship options.  

This sector needs bright and solution-minded professionals who are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of every workforce sector. UW Oshkosh alumni who currently work in the manufacturing sector have studied:  

  • Accounting 
  • Applied Computing 
  • Biology  
  • Chemistry 
  • Communication 
  • Computer Science  
  • Economics 
  • Engineering  
  • Environmental Engineering Technology  
  • Environmental Health 
  • Environmental Studies  
  • Electrical Engineering Technology  
  • Finance 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Information Systems 
  • Leadership and Organizational Development  
  • Leadership and Organizational Studies 
  • Liberal Studies  
  • Management 
  • Marketing 
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology  
  • Physics  
  • Pre-Law  
  • Software Technology  
  • Supply Chain Management 

Average Starting Salary

The average salary for UW Oshkosh graduates who are working in this field within the first year of graduating

UW Oshkosh also offers minors and certificates that can accompany any major and provide you with a specific additional focus. 

  • Analytics 
  • Automation 
  • Business Administration or Economics 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Computer Programing 
  • Cost Management 
  • Electronics 
  • Enterprise Resource Planning 
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
  • Environmental Monitoring 
  • Financial Management 
  • Geographic Information Systems 
  • Renewable Energy 
  • Sales 

Job Outlook

The employment outlook in the manufacturing sector depends on the specific role, organization, and location. From 2020–2030, the following occupations are projected to grow: 

%

Logisticians

%

Accountants and Auditors

%

Database Administrators

TOP CAREER AREAS

MANUFACTURING 

Engineering technologist (mechanical, environmental, or electrical), inventory analyst, lab technician, manufacturing technician, mechanical design engineer, systems analyst 

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT 

Accountant and billing manager, administrator, data analyst, human resource specialist, marketing or public relations specialist 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

Cybersecurity specialist, network and database administrator, systems administrator, web and application developer 

IN-DEMAND SKILLS

  • Flexibility 
  • Critical-thinking 
  • Attention to detail 
  • Communication 
  • Active listening 
  • Problem solving  
  • Dependability

Work in the Manufacturing Field

Our alumni who work in this field have worked with the following organizations.

Salary and employment statistics for UW Oshkosh graduates are self reported and given based on their experiences and opportunities they secured within 9 months after graduation. Data is pulled from the UW Oshkosh First Destination Survey and is an average of reported data from the previous three years.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH
Career & Professional Development

(920) 424-2181
career@uwosh.edu

Student Success Center, Suite 125
750 Elmwood Ave.
Oshkosh, WI 54901

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Fox Cities Campus Advisor Hours

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