In terms of professional practice, my coursework and work experiences have equipped me with technical and communication skills. I am well versed in research methods and data analysis, allowing me to gather data and provide takeaways, and also to delve into current research and stay up to date with best organizational practices. Communication is a necessity of an I-O professional. Throughout my time at UTC, I've gained valuable experience presenting in front of an audience. I've developed the ability to translate scientific findings into layperson terms to improve organizations and navigate issues of workplace diversity with the necessary sensitivity and knowledge.
My peers and I were tasked with tackling a simulated workplace scenario that required identifying and explaining a complex organizational issue, persuading key stakeholders to take action. As part of this project, we developed an executive-level written brief and a 10-minute pitch presentation, followed by a Q&A session, designed to educate and engage a panel of decision-makers.
Our pitch was assessed on its clarity, logical structure, and ability to persuade stakeholders to take action. Through a combination of research-driven insights and practical recommendations, we effectively showcased how addressing the identified issue could lead to measurable improvements in organizational performance.
This project improved my skills in analyzing workplace challenges, crafting compelling evidence-based solutions, and communicating effectively with stakeholders. It reinforced my ability to develop actionable strategies grounded in the principles of Industrial-Organizational psychology.
My classmate and I designed and conducted a study that we presented at the annual Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Conference in Chicago. Our research investigated gender differences in interests using a person-centered approach.
This approach provided deeper insights by highlighting nuances in individual interest patterns rather than relying solely on average effects. Our findings have meaningful implications for career counseling, emphasizing the value of personalized interventions tailored to an individual’s unique interests rather than generalized patterns across genders. This experience strengthened my research skills and my ability to translate findings into practical applications.
As part of this assignment, I was tasked with delivering a 15-minute technical presentation on a recent, research-based article related to a weekly topic in organizational psychology. The focus was on translating complex, technical research into an accessible and engaging format for the audience. This experience allowed me to refine my technical presentation skills, enhancing my ability to communicate complex research clearly and succinctly