Personalities that are suited for I/O Psychology?

[kitkatc]

Hi everyone! 

 

I'm posting to get some advice on whether there's a type of personality that would be better suited for a career in industrial organizational psychology. 

 

I'm a fairly introverted person, and while I do enjoy socializing and meeting people, I'm not sure I would do that well in a leadership position. Looking at the job description for I/O psych, it seems like there is a managerial or leadership-like role that's inherent in the job. Would there be options in the field that involve more of a behind-the-scenes role, or one that's heavier on writing and editing? 

 

I'm currently a senior psych student in undergrad, and love psychology and would want to apply to grad programs in I/O psych. I just want to make sure it's not too disparate from my personality. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

[Munashi]

Semi-relevant: Are you thinking the Master's or PhD route?

[kitkatc]

I was thinking Master's, which I've heard is more of the applied side than PhD. 

[Munashi]

The reason I asked is that I was going to suggest looking into a research-oriented career (you can do applied research if you don't want to go into academia), but generally that requires a PhD.  There may be positions that are open to MS/MA holders, though.  Check out the SIOP website and look at Master's-level job openings and see if anything there appeals to you.

 

I'm also going to recommend you possibly post your question to https://www.reddit.com/r/IOPsychology/- there are quite a few professionals there who may be able to better answer your question about personality.

 

For what it's worth, I am consider myself rather introverted and do plan to go applied.  In my program, there is an array of personalities - just like you'd expect to see anywhere else.

[kitkatc]

Great, thank you so much for your suggestions! I'll look into r/IOpsychology for sure. 

[Munashi]

You're very welcome!  Sorry I couldn't be of more help, I lack personal field experience (I'm a first year) at the moment.

[kitkatc]

No not at all! That was very helpful! I'm posting on Reddit right now, haha.

[Tinkerbell90]

Hi everyone! 

 

I'm posting to get some advice on whether there's a type of personality that would be better suited for a career in industrial organizational psychology. 

 

I'm a fairly introverted person, and while I do enjoy socializing and meeting people, I'm not sure I would do that well in a leadership position. Looking at the job description for I/O psych, it seems like there is a managerial or leadership-like role that's inherent in the job. Would there be options in the field that involve more of a behind-the-scenes role, or one that's heavier on writing and editing? 

 

I'm currently a senior psych student in undergrad, and love psychology and would want to apply to grad programs in I/O psych. I just want to make sure it's not too disparate from my personality. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

Hey, just to give you a little more insight, I have an MA in I/O Psych and currently work at an applied research consulting company on a variety of projects.  My role is more support because I'm new, but I just wanted to let you know that if you are interested in research there are definitely opportunities with just a master's degree in I/O.  Not all I/O jobs have a major leadership component, but if you are doing research you are going to have to present your ideas to internal and external clients, as well as potentially bring in business (depending on where you work).  You can also find applied research jobs with a PhD, particularly in non-profit consulting companies if you don't want to go into academia.  The difference, at least at my organization, is that co-workers with PhDs enter at a higher level in the organization and can be promoted quicker, but that may just be a quirk of my workplace.

 

I hope this helps!