Some combination of independent work (e.g., reading research literature, contributing to a research report) and work with project teams to address a problem (e.g., solutions for students who are at risk of dropping out of school). The day would likely include a variety of meetings and switching from one topic/project to another.
CAREER
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$147,420
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+2.5% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Do
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
Other Job Titles Industrial-Organizational Psychologists May Have
Consulting Psychologist, I-O Practitioner (Industrial-Organizational Practitioner), I-O Psychologist (Industrial-Organizational Psychologist), Industrial Psychologist, Management Consultant, Organizational Consultant, Organizational Development Specialist (OD Specialist), Organizational Psychologist, Personnel Research Psychologist, Research Scientist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection.
- Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.
- Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.
- Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
- Observe and interview workers to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs, as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (58%)
Master's degree
Doctoral degree
Some college, no degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Psychology, General
Graduate
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate
Clinical Psychology
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I spend a lot of time talking to different audiences both internal (people in other departments who are not in research) and external (educators, administrators, policymakers). It is important to have good interpersonal skills and good presentation skills. Also, due to the range and complexity of problems that we are trying to address, it is important to be flexible and creative.
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
