7 Unique Industrial-Organizational Jobs

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology focuses on helping workplaces increase efficiency and satisfaction using psychological practices that improve relationships between employees and their management. The industry is growing in popularity, with a projected growth of 26 percent through 2018. But what roles are available in the field?

Defining the career path for an industrial-organizational psychologist can be difficult; because the study of employees and workplaces has so many facets, I-O psychology professionals do all kinds of work for organizations of all sizes. However, here are seven common industrial-organizational jobs. Each of these jobs has its own unique facets, but all require a desire to help people and improve the way businesses work.

Personnel Analyst 

Personnel are critical to the success of any company, in a myriad of ways. Personnel analysts ensure that not only are the right people are being hired, but that companies are creating the right jobs in the right areas. This often involves significant data collection and research. Personnel analysts also analyze the on-boarding process and overall hiring strategies.

Indeed lists the average annual salary personnel analysts at $60,000 annually.

Personnel Analyst – $60,000

Research Consultant

Because so much of I-O psychology involves finding new ways to improve the performance and satisfaction of employees, research in the field continues to evolve. Research consultants work with companies to understand how efficiently an organization is running. This may involve creating surveys for employees to complete, workplace observation or several other methods of data collection. With this research, the consultant can report on organizational strengths and highlight areas for improvement.

According to the job search tool Indeed, research consultants make an average $78,000 annually.

Research Consultant – $78,000

Instructional Designer

When beginning a job, a thoughtful, thorough orientation can set employees up for success. A common role in the I-O industry is designing the instructional materials that accompany this process. These instructional designers create training courses that take place both in classroom settings and online. This may include paper materials, computer modules and even instructional videos. Successful designers create materials that orient new hires quickly and efficiently, allowing them to begin making an impact in their role more quickly.

Indeed lists the average annual salary for instructional designers at $65,000.

Instructional Designer – $65,000

Organizational Consultant 

One factor that can affect employee productivity and effectiveness is the organizational structure of a company. Organizational consultants work with companies to optimize the hierarchy for the best possible workflow. These consultants recognize issues like overcrowding of teams, leadership confusion and redundancy. Using concepts in industrial-organizational psychology, they’re able to create a more efficient hierarchy and improve employee effectiveness.

According to Indeed, organizational consultants earn an average annual salary of $102,000.

Organizational Consultant – $102,000

Talent Developer

Growing talent once it’s brought into an organization is a complicated process, but one that can yield real company growth. The goal of a talent developer is to create company initiatives that help employees increase their skills and, in turn, encourage them to use that growth to improve their work. This may involve the development of advanced training initiatives for employees long after on-boarding. It may also include the measurement and analysis of performance and identifying key areas of growth for employees.

Indeed lists the average annual salary for the job title talent developers at $97,000.

Talent Developer – $97,000

Industrial-Organizational Professor

With the field of industrial-organizational psychology expected to grow 26 percent by 2018, the need for instructors and professors in the field will also grow. I-O professors not only teach courses but also perform research in their area of expertise. Professors have the opportunity to make an impact on the field through teaching, discovering trends and measuring concepts.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, professors earn an average annual salary of $86,490.

IOP Professor – $86,490

A Degree for a Growing Field 

At Touro University Worldwide, we are committed to developing dynamic industrial- organizational psychology professionals to meet the growing demand. Students in our industrial-organizational psychology programs will gain insight into modern I-O concepts and develop the tools needed to succeed in one of these roles, from highly trained professors with significant real world experience to share. Most importantly, Touro offers this quality education in a fully online format perfect for working professionals. With our flexible class schedules and convenient online classroom, you can maintain your busy schedule while advancing your career. Discover how TUW can help you join this growing field by exploring our online industrial-organizational graduate program today.

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