Alumni Network

Being a part of the MSIO board not only enhanced my graduate school experience but provided a real organization to apply my learnings to. 

My experience started in 2020 before the pandemic and ended in May 2022 with an in-person graduation ceremony (at the Barclays Center!). The board quickly became a source of motivation and comfort during this turbulent time. I met some of the most thoughtful and intelligent people through different MSIO events and as President. It was liberating to feel safe when geeking out over a shared passion. 

When we enter “true adulthood” or the “working world” we must intentionally create our adult relationships. I had to invest in my peers, just as much as I was investing in myself. By enrolling in a higher education degree, you have given yourself the platform to do just that. Taking advantage of the people who make up your program not only provides a strong professional network, but you can truly find lifelong friends (you already have at least one thing in common with them!).  

For example, you might receive a LinkedIn message from a brave individual who is interested in Baruch’s M.S. I/O Psychology program. You then thank the individual for reaching out and see if they would like to jump on a Zoom Call to hear more about your experience. On the Zoom call, you share interests, and anxieties, and laugh. As you were about to be President of MSIO you pitched all our fun events and talked about the Professors who were I/O legends, and NYC. You asked the individual to keep you updated on their application journey. A few months later you receive another LinkedIn DM that they got into Baruch and will be moving to NY! The two of you get coffee once they are settled and over dinner, you discuss the best classes you have had thus far. Months later, they celebrate your graduation with you along with your other MSIO friends. And then you receive a text a few weeks ago from that same brave individual and she will be following in your footsteps and will be MSIO’s President for the next year. This news makes your week because a story came full circle. Just because someone reached out to you. Someone networked with you. You gained and influenced simultaneously. 

I started my career with a LinkedIn message to an incredible speaker at an I/O METRO event. I was so grateful that a tenured I/O Psychologist took the time to talk to me and recognize my potential. As I continue my own career, I will purposefully reach out to professionals to connect as I know I will become better for it. I hope this inspires you to reach out to me with a note on your Baruch experience so far, that person sitting next to you in class about the article you read, the person behind the name in a rectangular Zoom box about their day, and even speakers at MSIO/SIOP events. 

Interested in continuing the conversation? You can reach Sabrina on her LinkedIn.

The Baruch MS I/O Student Organization is excited to announce the beginning of its Alumni Spotlight project, as we hope to connect past and present members of the organization!

Click on one of the Alumni below to read our full interview with them!

Send us an email and we can discuss how you can become a spotlighted alumni!