Preparing for Careers in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practice

In 2014 the Bureau of Labor Statistics identified the occupation of industrial and organizational (I-O) psychologist as the fastest growing occupation for the years 2012 to 2022. As companies continue to realize the benefits I-O psychologists bring to assist organizations and employees with workplace issues, opportunities to practice I-O psychology will continue to expand. At the same time, the growing reach of the field into new, nontraditional areas gives interested individuals a wide range of opportunities to prepare for an I-O practice career.

In preparing for a career in I-O psychology practice, individuals can direct their attention to several broad areas of development: career research and preparation, competency development, applied experience, and professional development. Within each area are specific steps, activities, and resources, but these are ...