Q. What lead you to choose the current I/O or I/O related field that you're working in/ passionate about?

I pursued I/O psychology to develop skills that enable identifying, analyzing and optimizing of key individual/organizational behaviors and psychological factors. Once I realized that understanding the human mind and consequent behaviors was the most fundamental level for maximizing benevolent human potential and empowerment, I was hooked.

Q. Who at Baruch would you say was the biggest influence on your career, and why?

I was broadly influenced by both professors as well as my fellow student/colleagues as each person provided a unique perspective and provided authentic insight into the topic at hand. "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." --Helen Keller

Q. Tell us about one of your favorite memories during your time in Baruch's program.

I enjoyed all of my experiences cumulatively in the program. Social events were particularly useful in getting to know professors and classmates from a more holistic perspective.

Q. What advice would you give to students who are just beginning their time in Baruch's program?

Spend time understanding what your personal mission and objective is. Try to answer the question of "What am I trying to accomplish and contribute to society ultimately with my career and life?" Continue to follow that vision (it may change and that's ok) with dedication and with fortitude and your life and contributions will unfold naturally. Know that there will be many and recurring challenging moments where you will question your competence and question your ability to sustain and get through those moments. This is normal and will help you develop even more strength, resilience and intelligence that will ultimately help others achieve the same. Don't be afraid to take time to reflect deeply. The quiet will give you the insight to hear your true voice and face fears that need to be faced; this will give you more power. Finally, don't fixate on a particular outcome of what your career "should" look like. You will lose sight of what you are gaining at the moment as there are intrinsically important learnings that you will be gaining all of the time. Having said that, it is ok also to pursue that which you are passionate about. The key is to not be too rigid with that perspective and keep pursuing that which are passionate about on the "backburner" as needed. If you persist, are crafty, disciplined, and have a service-mindset, you will succeed.

Q. If there is any advice or information you want to share that wasn't covered in a question above? If so, provide it here!

Research all of the functions and facets within HR, OD, I/O psychology, organizational behavior. There are many specializations, each with a unique set of skills that are required. The better you understand the domains, the better you will be able to do your job(s) and navigate through organizations. Understand and learn about finance, IT (and if applicable, Sales) as these are fundamental to all organizations (infrastructure).