Let us meet Caleb Pollard, a second-year graduate student in the IOHRM program. Caleb’s journey here is as much about passion and exploration as it is about hard work and self-discovery.
Journey to IOHRM
Caleb’s love for psychology sparked back in high school, which naturally led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in this field at Appalachian State. Captivated by the beautiful mountains and the lively campus, he decided to stay for a graduate degree. In choosing IOHRM as his program, what really sealed the deal was the program’s excellent reputation, a class with Dr. Tim Huelsman (the program director), as well as an IOHRM poster he spotted in Smith-Wright Hall one day.
Exploring Interests as a Current Student
In the program today, Caleb is diving deep into artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential in HR. His thesis, “Applicant reactions to automated assessments: Applicant quality as a moderator,” zeroes in on how AI can influence HR practices. Collaborating with Dr. Yalcin Acikgoz, his thesis chair, on a related study further fueled his curiosity on the topic and helped shape his research focus.
Essential Skills and Insights Gained
For Caleb, success in the IOHRM program isn’t just about academics, it is also about mindset. He has learned that believing in yourself is key and that little confidence goes a long way. Other skills include balancing a busy schedule by mastering time management and staying organized so that you don’t fall behind. His experience so far has taught him that it is better to keep up steadily than to try and play catch-up later.
Advice for Prospective Students
For individuals thinking about joining the IOHRM program, Caleb’s advice is to talk to current students. You will get genuine insights into the program and figure out if it is the right fit for you. Not everyone starts out knowing exactly what interests them in the field. For Caleb, exposure to new ideas, like AI, helped him discover a niche he hadn’t even considered before. It is all about exploring and letting your interests evolve naturally.
Looking Ahead
Looking into the future, Caleb wants to gain more hands-on experience before jumping into a Ph.D. program. His summer internship at United Therapeutics was a game-changer, showing him how the concepts learned in class translated into real HR practices, from data-driven decision-making to talent management strategies. This practical experience is something he now considers essential, ensuring that when he does return to academia for a higher degree, he will be more than ready.
Building Community
Outside of classes and research, Caleb has been taking an active role in revitalizing the North Carolina IO Psychologists (NCIOP) community. After the pandemic halted many of their events, he took the initiative to assist in organizing several social gatherings to reconnect the network. By fostering these opportunities, Caleb is helping bring professionals and students back together, making it easier for everyone to share ideas and support one another.
Thanks to Caleb for sharing his story. His journey is a reminder that with passion and curiosity, you can truly make the most of your graduate school experience. We are excited to see where his path leads next!
