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Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

What They Do

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Career Video

About This Career

Applies 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.

This career is part of the Human Services cluster Counseling and Mental Health Services pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Formulates and implements training programs, applying principles of learning and individual differences.
  • Conducts research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures, communication systems, group interactions, morale, or motivation to assess organizational functioning.
  • Conducts presentations on research findings for clients or at research meetings.
  • Provides expert testimony in employment lawsuits.
  • Studies consumers' reactions to new products and package designs, and to advertising efforts, using surveys and tests.
  • Reviews research literature to remain current on psychological science issues.
  • Develops interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
  • Conducts individual assessments, including interpreting measures and providing feedback for selection, placement, or promotion.
  • Writes articles, white papers, or reports to share research findings and educate others.
  • Develops new business by contacting potential clients, making sales presentations, and writing proposals.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Irregular hours
  • Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Consulting Psychologist
  • Industrial Psychologist
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychologist (I/O Psychologist)
  • Management Consultant
  • Organizational Consultant
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Research Scientist
  • Organizational Development Consultant (OD Consultant)

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support