Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

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.

Median Annual Wage: $76,950

Education: Doctoral degree (48%); Master's degree (47%); Post-doctoral training (5%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Research Scientist; Consultant; Industrial/Organizational Psychologist (I/O Psychologist); Organizational Psychologist; Consulting Psychologist; Organizational Consultant; Management Consultant; Industrial Psychologist; Assessment Services Manager; Organizational Development Consultant

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists.

More Life, Physical, and Social Science Careers

  • Conduct research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures, communication systems, group interactions, morale, and motivation to assess organizational functioning.
  • Conduct presentations on research findings for clients and at research meetings.
  • Provide expert testimony in employment lawsuits.
  • Study consumers' reactions to new products and package designs, and to advertising efforts, using surveys and tests.
  • Review research literature to remain current on psychological science issues.
  • Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, and promotion.
  • Conduct individual assessments, including interpreting measures and providing feedback for selection, placement, and promotion.
  • Write articles, white papers, and reports to share research findings and educate others.
  • Develop new business by contacting potential clients, making sales presentations, and writing proposals.
  • Develop and implement employee selection and placement programs.
  • Facilitate organizational development and change.
  • Train clients to administer human resources functions including testing, selection, and performance management.
  • Identify training and development needs.
  • Analyze job requirements and content to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.
  • Assess employee performance.
  • 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.
  • Coach senior executives and managers on leadership and performance.
  • Study organizational effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency, including the nature of workplace supervision and leadership.
  • Write reports on research findings and implications to contribute to general knowledge and to suggest potential changes in organizational functioning.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists.

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