Which topics in college most helped with your career in Industrial Psychology?

Hi Lans,

Students who choose to major in industrial psychology will study psychology as it applies to organizational behavior or employees, workplace environment and its effects, employee and employers attitudes, motivational factors of groups, and much more. As an industrial psychology major you'll study topics including human development, personality, behavioral psychology, biopsychology, perception, and cognition. Many industrial psychology programs also include relevant courses in business management, since as an industrial psychologist you'll be involved with management at various levels throughout your career.

As an undergraduate industrial psychology student, you'll become very proficient with research methodologies, experimentation, documentation, advanced statistical modeling, as well as various methods for analyzing data. In addition, you'll learn about the history of psychology, the present, and how you might mold the future of industrial psychology.

To become a practicing industrial psychologist, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from an accredited psychology program. Following completion of your undergraduate degree, you'll also need to complete a master's or Ph.D. degree in psychology (although most employers prefer a Ph.D.)

Job Duties and Tasks for: "Industrial-Organizational Psychologist"

1) Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, in order to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.

2) Analyze job requirements and content in order to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.

3) Conduct research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures, communication systems, group interactions, morale, and motivation in order to assess organizational functioning.

4) Develop and implement employee selection and placement programs.

5) Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, and promotion.

6) Facilitate organizational development and change.

7) Formulate and implement training programs, applying principles of learning and individual differences.

8) Identify training and development needs.

9) Observe and interview workers in order to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.

10) Study organizational effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency, including the nature of workplace supervision and leadership.

11) Advise management concerning personnel, managerial, and marketing policies and practices and their potential effects on organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

12) Assess employee performance.

13) Counsel workers about job and career-related issues.

14) Participate in mediation and dispute resolution.

15) Study consumers' reactions to new products and package designs, and to advertising efforts, using surveys and tests.

16) Write reports on research findings and implications in order to contribute to general knowledge and to suggest potential changes in organizational functioning.

More in:

http://www.psychologycareercenter.org/industrial-psychology-degrees.html
http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/industrial-organizational-psychologists.cfm

Have a professional journey of success!

When I was an undergraduate student, there were NO courses in I-O psychology at my school; there are now, though.

So, the courses that I found the most useful as an undergraduate were:
Statistics
Research Design
Tests and Measurement
Social Psychology

So, if you think you are interested in I-O Psychology, find a school that has at least one course offered in this sub-discipline. I would also recommend going to a school with at least one professors who does research in the field so that you can gain some experience by doing an independent study with her/him!

Good luck! Should you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact me.