Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists specialize in workplace behavior. In other words, they attempt to determine what motivates work-related behavior. They work to improve productivity, management practices, and product testing.
Education and Training
Industrial-organizational psychology education programs are available at numerous colleges and universities. Many I-O psychology graduates find jobs in human resources, but other opportunities are available. Obtain a graduate degree to improve job opportunities.
Private companies, consulting firms, and government agencies frequently hire I-O psychologists. Since demand for these specialists is on the rise, more I-O graduate programs are available nationwide. I-O psychologists holding PhDs often become high-level managers.
Typical Job Positions for Those with Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
- Workforce Insights Analyst/Manager
These professionals gather and assess data to make better hiring decisions, improve decision making, train employees more efficiently, and improve worksite safety. - Evaluation & Assessment Analyst/Manager
These specialists develop management evaluation plans, organize group projects, and evaluate company initiatives. - Professional Development
These professionals develop and evaluate employee training programs. - Talent Management Specialist/Manager
Talent managers design and oversee management training programs. They must understand management duties and have the ability to evaluate leadership qualities. - HR Organizational Development Specialist
HR specialists estimate organizational human resource needs. They also organize employee training initiatives. - Trainer
Trainers are responsible for training employees. They typically work for consulting firms. - Test and Measurement Specialist
These specialists develop employee assessment tests and establish metrics for employee performance. - Organizational Effectiveness Director
These specialists work with managers and executives to establish organizational goals. - Senior Organization Development Advisor
These specialists recruit new staff members and develop employee training programs.
Typical Job Positions for Those with Master’s or PhD Degree - Behavioral Analyst
Behavioral analysts assess personality test results and employee evaluation sheets. - Selection Systems Manager
These experts work to improve employee retention. They also specialize in organizational selection systems. - HR Practice Manager
HR practice managers focus on workplace diversity, are experts in performance management, and fill performance management positions. - Research Analyst
Research analysts are quantitative analysis experts responsible for analyzing data related to employee recruitment, organizational goals, and training initiatives. - Professor
I-O professors teach university-level psychology classes, which includes social psychology, statistics, and general psychology courses. - Research Consultant/Senior Research Consultant
Research consultants specialize in research. They evaluate data, recommend organizational changes, and publish articles for trade magazines and scholarly journals. - Consultant
Consultants meet with executives to offer expert advice on various topics, including labor issues, employee evaluation, selection, and recruitment, management changes, talent management, leadership, and employee salaries and benefits.
Job Outlook
Demand for industrial-organizational psychologists is expected to be high through the upcoming years since more companies are cutting overhead by improving efficiency. Many companies are now consulting with I-O psychologists to train employees and improve workplace diversity.