For this week’s student spotlight, we are featuring Drew Sipe! He is a second-year IOHRM and Applied Data Analytics dual-degree graduate student. Drew reflects on his undergraduate journey that led him to the IOHRM program, gives insight into his favorite aspects of the program, and shares advice for prospective students.
Journey to IOHRM
Drew’s interest in the field began while taking an Organizational Psychology class in undergrad, along with his involvement in a former IOHRM student’s thesis research. These experiences led him to dig deeper into the field, prompting him to read I/O research and connect with the program. Drew was particularly drawn to the IOHRM program because it allowed him to continue his involvement in the HR Science Safety team and SHRM-ASC.
Exploring Drew’s Interests as a Student
Drew has fully immersed himself in the program’s opportunities. He found the Intro to HR and Professional Issues course in his first semester particularly rewarding, as he enjoyed the ability to refine his public speaking and presentation skills. His favorite project is the research he leads with the HR Science Safety team, which integrates his interest in data analytics. He also serves as Vice President of Consulting for SHRM-ASC, where he is also a team lead. He noted that learning how to run collaborative meetings and encourage engagement among participants have been useful skills. Through his work with HR Science and neurodiversity research with IOHRM faculty, he has become skilled at presenting complex data to a non-expert audience. This exposure helped him discover his interest in the role of Human Resources Business Partner, which satisfies his desire for task variety and data-driven work.
Favorite Part of the IOHRM Program
Drew’s favorite aspect of the IOHRM program has been creating strong connections with his cohort. He fosters a sense of community by hosting gatherings and drawing advice from previous cohorts to ensure his peers grow into a strong, supportive network. He shares that his cohort is a unique group of individuals that complement each other well, both professionally and personally.
Advice for Prospective Students
Drew offers two key pieces of advice for future students. He strongly encourages applicants to reach out and talk to current students and faculty to gain a realistic view of the program’s culture and workload. He assures that students will always make time for these conversations. Second, he emphasizes the importance of gaining experience in I/O or HR related work before starting the program, as it’s the best way to decide if the field is truly the right fit.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for graduation, Drew plans to move back home and launch his career as an HR Business Partner. He credits the IOHRM program with not only affirming his career goals but also providing the necessary networking opportunities and professional confidence needed to navigate the job market. We’re excited to watch Drew take his next step and translate his passion into a rewarding career!
