What does an I/O Psychologist do?
Industrial/Organizational psychology focuses on applying the scientific methods of psychology to a business environment. I/O psychologists collect and analyze data in order to support business initiatives with concrete evidence. They also assess attitudes toward and effectiveness of change efforts within an organization before, during, and after the plan is implemented. An I/O psychologist's goal is often to introduce new policies or streamline processes in a way that helps protect, engage, and motivate employees. Happier, safer employees boost productivity and cut costs, leading to a more efficient, more enjoyable workplace.
I/O psychologists often seek careers involving human resources, training, organizational development, labor relations, and leadership. They fit well within any level of a company, from entry-level to senior management. In addition to holding positions within an organization, I/O psychologists sometimes act as external consultants who work with companies to address specific issues.
I/O psychologists often seek careers involving human resources, training, organizational development, labor relations, and leadership. They fit well within any level of a company, from entry-level to senior management. In addition to holding positions within an organization, I/O psychologists sometimes act as external consultants who work with companies to address specific issues.
How is an I/O Psychology degree different than an MBA?
The roles and positions of MBAs (especially those with a concentration in Human Resources) often overlap with those of I/O Psychologists, and the two degrees share similar educational profiles. However, some of the more noteworthy differences are listed below:
Undergraduate Major Many students enter MBA programs with undergraduate concentrations in business, math, accounting, economics, or engineering. By contrast, I/O Psychology students typically have backgrounds based in psychology, sociology, or other humanities-based majors.
Quantitative Coursework While I/O Psychology and MBA students share many courses (including human resources, negotiation, and labor relations), the two typically cover very different quantitative skills. MBA students usually focus on accounting and managerial economics, whereas I/O Psychology students typically learn statistics and research design.
Scope of Content The curriculum of an MBA program is designed to give a broad cross-section of a company's key areas: human resources, operations management, finance, project management, and risk management. I/O Psychology focuses almost entirely on the human capital of an organization, giving degree holders a greater depth of knowledge in leadership, human resources, and organizational development.
Ethical Principles There is no single, unifying code of ethics for MBAs. By contrast, the American Psychological Association provides all psychologists with a list of guiding ethical principles. They are often summarized as Beneficence and Nonmaleficence,
Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, and Respect for People's Rights and Dignity.
Undergraduate Major Many students enter MBA programs with undergraduate concentrations in business, math, accounting, economics, or engineering. By contrast, I/O Psychology students typically have backgrounds based in psychology, sociology, or other humanities-based majors.
Quantitative Coursework While I/O Psychology and MBA students share many courses (including human resources, negotiation, and labor relations), the two typically cover very different quantitative skills. MBA students usually focus on accounting and managerial economics, whereas I/O Psychology students typically learn statistics and research design.
Scope of Content The curriculum of an MBA program is designed to give a broad cross-section of a company's key areas: human resources, operations management, finance, project management, and risk management. I/O Psychology focuses almost entirely on the human capital of an organization, giving degree holders a greater depth of knowledge in leadership, human resources, and organizational development.
Ethical Principles There is no single, unifying code of ethics for MBAs. By contrast, the American Psychological Association provides all psychologists with a list of guiding ethical principles. They are often summarized as Beneficence and Nonmaleficence,
Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, and Respect for People's Rights and Dignity.
What attracted you to I/O Psychology?
The average person spends between 90,000 and 100,000 hours at work during the course of his or her lifetime. That's a huge number, but the impact of work on a life doesn't stop there. When a person doesn't enjoy his or her job, that stress spills over into non-work hours and is deeply detrimental to health, happiness, and overall well-being. I believe life is too short to be miserable at work, and I/O psychology has given me the training necessary to address that problem head-on. By ensuring a good job fit, I can help both company and individual prosper.
I was initially attracted to I/O psychology because I enjoy helping people, but I have discovered how much I love the constant challenge and rigor of I/O psychology's diverse skill set and problem-solving approaches. My ideal job requires a balance between the old and new, implementing well-honed techniques while still learning and exploring novel approaches. I have found that combination in this field, and I am excited to be part of the next generation of I/O psychologists.
I was initially attracted to I/O psychology because I enjoy helping people, but I have discovered how much I love the constant challenge and rigor of I/O psychology's diverse skill set and problem-solving approaches. My ideal job requires a balance between the old and new, implementing well-honed techniques while still learning and exploring novel approaches. I have found that combination in this field, and I am excited to be part of the next generation of I/O psychologists.