It is that time of year again and big congratulations are in order for the IOHRM second-years! Over the past two years, the Class of 2016 has put an endless amount of time, effort, and energy into working on assignments and semester-long projects, studying for exams and their oral comps, and applying to jobs and internships, among so many other things. When students first come into this program, they are told that if they do what the professors ask of them, they will leave this program prepared for whatever the “real-world” throws at them. I believe this class has lived up to that challenge and know they will excel as they move forward in their careers! When asked about their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to graduation and the IOHRM program as a whole, here are some of the responses the second-years gave:
“I never really felt connected to my undergraduate university, so I wasn't expecting to feel any connection to ASU or this program. I couldn't have been more wrong. The IOHRM program has made me feel included and valued, given me an appreciation for the field, and given me life-long friendships.”
“I believe my time in the program has been so much more valuable than I could have anticipated. I expected to learn a lot of material but I am surprised by my new level of self-efficacy, workplace readiness, and personal growth as I prepare to graduate. Overall I am so excited to be heading into the "real world" although it feels surreal to finally be finished with school and I will miss the wonderful people I have come to know here!”
“My feelings about the program: It depends! On what? Well, if I'm speaking to Dr. Bergman then I THINK joining the program has been a very rewarding professional and personally. Looking back, I've learned so much about the IOHRM field through all of our great faculty, grown so much as a professional, and made great friends in the program.”
“It was rough going at times but I think I'm all the stronger for it. I feel like I'm ready to get out there and do some professional work. That said, graduation is also bittersweet because I really like everyone involved in the program. After two years it's going to be strange not seeing them.”
"When applying to jobs now it's fun to reflect on all the great experiences we've had in the program. I'm definitely going to miss Boone and all of the wonderful people here. Onward and upward!"
“Boone has really grown on me over the past couple of years! It's going to be tough to leave my support network of friends and professors behind, but my two years here have given me the knowledge, skills, and abilities I need to excel in the rapidly expanding I/O field.”
“Graduating is such a bittersweet feeling, as I am torn between wanting to start my career and wanting to continue learning here. It's amazing to see how much we've all learned and grown the past two years and to look ahead to what all is in store for everyone in the near future. I am so happy to see the success of everyone in the cohort, and I look forward to coming back for alumni events in the future!”
Congratulations Class of 2016! We look forward to seeing the great things you will all go on to accomplish in the future!
Class of 2017
