To become an Io psychologist, you’ll need to first obtain the necessary education. You may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then go on to complete a Master of Science in Psychology. This will give you the foundation needed to pursue your doctorate in Io psychology, as well as a number of other careers that require advanced degrees.
Once you have obtained your doctorate, it is recommended that you work as an intern or assistant under an experienced Io psychologist for two years before attempting to open your own practice.
Aspiring Io psychologists should also take courses on human behavior and development in order to understand what makes people tick. They also need to learn how to recognize certain disorders, such as autism and ADHD, so they can help those suffering from them get treatment where necessary.
How To Become Io Psychologist
Industrial psychology is an exciting career field that allows individuals to improve the workplace. If you are interested in becoming an industrial psychologist, you should begin by learning about what these professionals do and the requirements you must meet before you can become one to determine if it is the correct career path for you. In this article, we discuss what an industrial psychologist does, their average salary and how you can become one with answers to frequently asked questions.
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What does an industrial psychologist do?
An industrial psychologist, also known as an “industrial-organizational psychologist”, is a mental health professional that specializes in studying and applying psychological theories to workplace environments. These professionals focus on improving the mental and physical health of employees to increase workplace productivity.
Industrial psychologists observe and record the attitudes and behaviors of employees to determine areas of improvement and develop specialized ways to remedy workplace issues through procedures, products and leadership training. Professionals in this field of psychology are required to have knowledge of administrative regulations, ethical considerations and case law regarding workplace activities. Some of their specific responsibilities may include:
- Increasing business efficiency
- Improving the quality of life for employers and employees
- Studying the behavior of consumers
- Analyzing data to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of workplace programs using statistical methods and application
- Conducting research studies of work environments to assess the way the organization functions
- Developing rating scales, psychological tests and interview techniques for employee selection promotion and placement
- Identifying training and development needs within an organization
- Counseling employees about job performance and other career-related problems
Average salary
The average salary of an industrial psychologist will vary depending on the industry they work for and their level of expertise. Most industrial psychologists work full-time and they may work overtime to reach goals with specified deadlines.
Common salary in the U.S.: $86,383 per year
Some salaries range from $77,000 to $150,000 per year.
How to become an industrial psychologist
There are various requirements you must meet before you can begin working as an industrial psychologist. The position requires several hard and soft skills that can be developed through education and training. Here are the most common and effective steps you can take to become an industrial psychologist:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a master’s degree program.
- Pursue an internship.
- Consider earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
- Complete licensing requirements.
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Prospective industrial-organizational psychologists are required to complete an accredited bachelor’s degree program. Most students who are interested in becoming industrial psychologists tend to major in psychology but it is not required. If you choose to select another major, you will want to make sure you take courses in psychological principles, social psychology, statistics and research methodology. Some colleges and universities offer a major in I-O psychology and others offer a specialization under the general psychology degree.
Once you obtain your bachelor’s degree, you will need to take the GRE to be admitted into most master’s programs. The GRE is a 3 hour and 45-minute test that has three sections such as Analytical Writing Assessment, a Quantitative Section and a Verbal Section.
2. Complete a master’s degree program.
A master’s degree is typically required for students that are interested in becoming I-O psychologists in the private sector. The most common master’s degree for this position is a Master’s in Organizational Psychology, although some students may elect to complete a Master’s in Business Administration.
The coursework a graduate student will complete includes the psychology of leadership, organizational structuring and other courses that teach students how to apply the necessary frameworks to the workplace. Courses in M.A. and M.S. programs focus on research design and methodology, while an MBA focuses more on training in management and economics.
A master’s degree program will take about two to three years to complete.
3. Pursue an internship.
Internships may not be required by every educational institution for I-O psychology however, it may assist you with gaining hands-on experience in your career field. Try looking for opportunities to complete an internship in a workplace setting during your undergraduate or graduate education.
Shadowing an I-O professional can help you prepare for your career in I-O psychology and provide you with an advantage when applying for jobs. You can also develop working relationships with industry professionals who may be able to serve as professional references on your applications or resume.
4. Consider earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
If you are interested in research, teaching or clinical practice in I-O psychology, you may consider obtaining an advanced degree. The coursework you are required to complete in a Ph.D. program includes theories and principles grounded in scientific research. A doctorate takes about three to five years to complete. You may be able to increase your earning potential when you possess a doctorate.
5. Consider completing licensing requirements.
Most I-O psychologists are not required to obtain a state license to start working for organizational developments. However, you may consider obtaining a license to be considered a psychologist and to work in a clinical setting. An individual must graduate from a doctoral degree program, complete a supervised internship and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to obtain a license. You may want to research your state’s requirements before you pursue licensure to determine whether you will need the license or not.
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Jobs similar to industrial psychologists
If you’re interested in working as an industrial psychologist or in another profession in the field of psychology, there are many interesting jobs options you might consider. Here’s a list of 10 jobs that are similar to an industrial psychologist:
1. Psychologist
Frequently asked questions
What skills do I need to be successful as an I-O psychologist?
An I-O psychologist must possess a variety of skills to be successful in their careers. Here are the most common skills an industrial psychologist should have:
- Complex decision-making skills
- Critical-thinking
- Analytical skills
- Time management
- Active listening
Are there specialties in industrial-organizational psychology?
There are three specialties in industrial-organizational psychology that you may consider. These specialties are:
- Human Resources Organizational Development Specialist
- Professor of Industrial Psychology
- Organizational Psychology Research Scientist
What careers are related to industrial psychologists?
Many careers are related to industrial psychologists. These career titles are:
- School and Career Counselors
- Sociologists
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Market Research Analysts
