IO Psychology jobs are on the rise. For organizations to run smoothly, efficiently, and effectively they require a keen eye on all aspects of workplace behavior. That’s where IO Psychologists come in.
IO Psychology professionals keep their finger on the pulse of an organization’s inner and outer workings. They take into account everything from hiring practices to workplace culture to motivational and psychological principles. Essentially, an IO Psychologist is one who works to nurture the dynamic flow of an organization as it grows to help it leverage new opportunities. They apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing challenges.
If this interests you, find out what you need to do to enter this exciting and innovative field. We’ll take a look at important facts like career outlook, how much earning potential you can expect, and how you can set yourself up to be a successful leader in the industry.
Are there IO Psychology Jobs?
The demand continues to grow for IO Psychology professionals. In fact, Industrial Psychologists ranked #2 in U.S. News Best Science Jobs category.
So, if you’re looking to start a new career or make a career change into the IO Psychology field, the job outlook is promising. Let’s take a look at the nuts and bolts of this industry to get a better idea of what kinds of industries and companies are seeking IO Psychologists and what kinds of skills are valued for in-demand jobs.
Continued Growth Pattern
Firstly, here’s excellent news: The projected national change in employment from 2016-2026 is expected to increase by 15%, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Industries with IO Psychology Jobs:
Secondly, a variety of industries need IO Psychology professionals to help steer organizations onto fruitful paths that allow for growth and success. Here are a few listed from Burning Glass Technologies:
- Manufacturing
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Educational Services
- Finance and Insurance
- Public Administration
- Information
- Retail Trade
Companies with IO Psychology Jobs:
Within the industries listed above, there are many organizations who hire professionals with a background in IO Psychology. A few include:
- General Electric Company
- Work for Progress
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Deloitte
- Ascension Health
- Rosetta Stone
- Turner Broadcasting
- Raymond James Financial
- KBR
- Therapy Source
- PepsicCo Inc
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- CVS Health
- Disney
- US Department of Homeland Security
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Habitat for Humanity
- US Government
What is the Earning Potential for Industrial/Organizational Psychologists?
Now that you have a better understanding of the job market for IO Psychologists, you’re probably wondering what kind of earnings the average professional makes. According to O*Net Online, the mean salary of an IO Psychologist with a Master’s Degree is $87,125.
How Can You Set Yourself Apart in the IO Psych Field?
If you’re like most professionals, you’re likely looking for a career where you actively want to go into the office and work. You want to know that the hard work you put into your education will not only pay off financially, but emotionally as well. When you have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, your drive to succeed and add further value increases exponentially. The ideal career for most anyone, then, is one that allows them to see each day as an opportunity to make the world a better place.
To get to that point, it’s important to understand what drives you. What kinds of activities excite you and encourage you to go above and beyond? It’s important to answer these questions. And perhaps a helpful starting point is to take a look at the types of activities a career in IO Psychology will require. The following requirements are from The Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Typical Activities:
- Use learning and teaching principles to create and implement training programs that help engage organizational growth
- Analyze organizational functioning and make recommendations for improvements through studying work environments, organizational structures, communication systems, group interactions, and morale
- Present research findings to various stakeholders
- Provide expert testimony in employment lawsuits
- Conduct surveys to test advertising efforts and analyze consumers’ reactions to new products and package designs
Desirable Skills:
As with any profession, employers will look for certain skills when hiring new employees. They want to know if you have what it takes to hit the ground running. Do you know the landscape? Do you have the aptitude to learn new things quickly? Will you require extensive training? For IO Psychology jobs, here are some key skills desired:
- Active Listening — How good are you at listening to someone’s story and understanding what they are saying? Do you ask for clarification to make sure you fully understand their needs? Do you interject with appropriate questions? Are you able to stay silent and give someone your undivided attention?
- Reading Comprehension — Can you read a document and comprehend it? Are you able to fully engage in a discussion about a document after having read it?
- Complex Problem Solving — If someone comes to you with a complex problem, are you able to identify the source of the issue and come up with viable solutions?
- Judgment and Decision Making — You will often be in a position where you will need to take the lead on a decision. Are you able to objectively consider the relative consequences of your actions and choose the most appropriate one?
- Speaking — What is your method of communication with others? When speaking, will others be able to follow your logic and engage in a fertile discussion?
Knowledge Areas:
To make great impacts in the field of IO Psychology, you will need to have knowledge in a set of key areas. These areas include:
- Psychology
- Personnel and Human Resources
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Educational Criteria:
To be an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, an employer typically requires you to have more than a bachelor’s degree.
Are You Motivated?
The world is always in need of great leaders who can learn and share concepts with others in order to create a more successful and fulfilling environment. This fosters an ever-changing need for dynamic IO Psychologists who are prepared to thrive in a variety of settings.
UMBC’s Graduate Program in IO Psychology helps professionals develop skills that are relevant in today’s job market. They explore and integrate important topics including organizational behavioral management, human factors, and professional human resources practice. In additional to stellar academics, the programs give students the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio while building strong relationships with faculty practitioners and industry professionals.
If you’re ready to embark on a career with purpose, meaning, and a bright future, contact us to learn more about UMBC’s IO Psychology program.
Sources:
https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/industrial-psychologist
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3032.00
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193032.htm
Compensation is a vital part of employee satisfaction and, psychology within the workplace.
Workplace psychology strategies take this into consideration when developing compensation strategies like pay-for-performance plans.
Insightful. I would like to add that Equity theory is also a key psychological theory that explains motivation because it takes into account the perception of equity. Simply put, noticing that others are getting paid more than you are for the same effort can be demotivating. We want rewards in proportion to our efforts.
Excellent point. Thank you!