This week, we will be spotlighting Elizabeth Russell, a dual degree candidate in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology & Human Resource Management (IOHRM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from NC State University. Elizabeth shared that she considered pursuing an MBA degree upon graduating from NC State, but was advised by a mentor in the HR field to pursue a master’s degree in human resources. When she found App State’s IOHRM program and realized it included I/O Psychology and HR, with an option to earn an MBA, she knew it was a program she wanted to be a part of.
Journey to IOHRM
Elizabeth first became interested in IOHRM during one of her HR internships. When a fellow intern mentioned that he was studying I/O psychology, Elizabeth decided to research the degree because she had never heard of it before. She found that this degree aligned perfectly with her HR interests, specifically why people work the way they do and how organizations can create environments where both employees and businesses can thrive.
Elizabeth shared that she expected the IOHRM program to be rigorous, applied, and very cohort-based with strong faculty involvement, and that it has been exactly that. She also shared that the support she has received in this program has exceeded what she imagined. She did not expect to have access to so many opportunities outside of the classroom. Elizabeth currently serves as the President of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter, is a member of a SHRM consulting team, and has joined meaningful research projects through her Graduate Assistantship. She shared that as a previous business major, she didn’t expect to be able to jump into research so quickly, let alone write, analyze, and present at a conference. “The program has challenged me, but also opened doors I didn’t even know to look for,” Elizabeth shared.
Exploring Interests as a Student
One of Elizabeth’s favorite courses has been Intro to Human Resources and Professional Issues, a class taken during students’ first semester of the program. She shared that she used to dislike presenting, but that this class showed her how creative and engaging presentations can be. This class helped her to find her own presentation style, one that is interactive and thoughtful, which immensely boosted her confidence while presenting. One project that she found especially engaging was her Training and Development project with App State’s HR department. Elizabeth and her classmates were able to conduct interviews, gather data, and deliver recommendations to the department. It was a valuable hands-on experience that helped Elizabeth to understand the concepts she had learned in class and see how they translated into real organizational practice.
In addition to serving as the President of SHRM, she has also been a part of several research projects, including research on supervisor incivility and leader/manager titling, which she recently presented on at the River Cities I/O Psychology Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She entered the IOHRM program with an interest in Talent Acquisition, specifically university recruiting and working with early talent. Through research, consulting projects, and coursework, she has discovered how much she enjoys internal research, survey design, employee experience, and organizational development. She is now even more interested in exploring different areas of HR as well, such as Talent and Development and Organizational Development. Elizabeth shares that the IOHRM program has broadened her perspective and helped her to see how many areas of HR contribute to creating meaningful, people-centered workplaces.
Favorite Part of the IOHRM Program
Elizabeth’s favorite part of the IOHRM program has been her cohort. “Being a part of such a close-knit, supportive, and collaborative group has shaped my entire experience. We motivate each other, help each other through projects and interview preparation, and support one another through everything from late-night study sessions to big milestones,” she shared. Elizabeth also appreciates how the program intentionally structures the second-year cohort as mentors to the first-years. The built-in support system has been incredibly meaningful and has strengthened their sense of community even more. She also shared that the faculty also reinforces that same kind of support environment. “You truly feel like you’re growing within a community that’s fully invested in your success,” she shared.
Advice for Prospective Students
Elizabeth shares that prospective students should come into the program ready to learn, ask questions, and engage. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty, even before applying, to learn more about the program,” shared Elizabeth. She had several conversations with the program director, Dr. Timothy Huelsman, before applying, and she shared that the openness of their conversation was very reflective of the whole program. Elizabeth wishes that she had understood the structure of the program her first year, specifically the first semester. The first semester leans more heavily towards psychology, before blending HR and I/O more evenly later on in the program. “I think knowing this beforehand would have helped me prepare for the progression of the program,” she shared.
Current Plans After Graduation
Elizabeth plans to work in HR, most likely in Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, or Organizational Development. She really enjoys working with early-career talent, but is keeping her options open to roles that blend people-focused work with strategy and development.
Elizabeth shares that the IOHRM program has prepared her for her job search in so many meaningful ways. Through SHRM leadership roles, consulting projects, and research experiences, she had built a strong foundation of practical skills. Her courses and assignments have strengthened her presentation and facilitation abilities, while resume and interview preparation have helped her present herself confidently to employers. “The mentorship I have received from faculty and alumni, along with networking opportunities like the VIP Networking Event and the HR Summit, has been incredibly valuable,” she shared. The IOHRM program has offered many resources and opportunities to build her professional brand, network, and confidence. Elizabeth shared that the IOHRM program has shaped her into a stronger, more prepared HR professional.
