For this week’s IOHRM Student Spotlight, we are featuring Lane Perkinson, a current second-year dual degree candidate in the IOHRM program and MBA program at Appalachian State University. Lane first completed his undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University, where he majored in psychology with a minor in cognitive sciences. Now, let’s take a closer look at what drew Lane to the IOHRM program, his key interests, plans after graduation, and more!
What drew Lane to the IOHRM program and what made it her final decision
Lane’s path to the IOHRM program at Appalachian State was driven by his desire to integrate both business and people management within the field of HR. More specifically, he was first drawn to pursuing an MBA alongside his IOHRM degree as it provided him with the opportunity to gain expertise in both HR and business strategy. “It was crucial for me to be able to speak to both the business side and the I-O side,” Lane shares. Additionally, the program's Graduate Assistant (GA) position was another key factor in his decision, as it allowed him to focus on his academic work without the added stress of securing additional employment. Moreover, Lane truly enjoyed the program’s physical location, as it is surrounded by a scenic natural landscape, making Appalachian State an ideal fit for both his academic goals and personal preferences.
Lane's main interest in IOHRM & current extracurricular activities
Lane’s primary interest within IOHRM has been organizational development, particularly in learning, training, and improving organizational systems as he enjoys helping both employees and organizations grow. “By improving processes and systems, you indirectly improve the people,” Lane explains. This is also a driving force behind his fulfillment in his current role as the HR Director at Beans 2 Brew (B2B), an on-campus, student-led coffee shop, where he guides volunteers and helps them professionally develop during their time within the organization. Outside of academics, Lane also enjoys playing video games with his fiancé and spending time with friends to unwind.
Lane's plans for after graduation
After graduation, Lane plans to join the company Raymond James as an HR Business Partner (HRBP), where he will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the company’s new HRIS system, Workday. He is excited to take on this new challenge and apply the knowledge he has gained in the IOHRM program to a real-world setting moving forward. Additionally, Lane looks forward to relaxing, "dipping his toes in the sand," and celebrating personal milestones, including his wedding, honeymoon, and relocation to Lakeland, Florida.
Lane's favorite part of App State’s IOHRM program throughout the past two years
For Lane, one of the most rewarding aspects of the IOHRM program has been the opportunity to pursue a dual degree, which has significantly broadened his professional skill set. As he further explains, the combination of the MBA and IOHRM program has well-equipped him with both the business strategy and human resources knowledge needed for a comprehensive approach to organizational management. Another highlight for Lane has been the international trip he took to Japan with fellow dual-degree cohort members, where he was able to gain a deeper understanding of how cultural differences impact organizational behavior.
Lane's advice for those interested in the program
Lane’s advice for prospective students is to thoroughly research and understand the structure of the IOHRM program, especially the dual degree options, and how they align with their long-term career goals. More specifically, he recommends taking the time to review the types of courses offered and how they fit into individual professional aspirations. "It is essential to evaluate how the program's coursework can help you achieve your career objectives," Lane advises. He also suggests prospective students familiarize themselves with the extracurricular opportunities available, such as Beans 2 Brew (B2B) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), as these experiences provide valuable, hands-on learning that can enhance academic development.
We would like to thank Lane for sharing his journey and experiences in the IOHRM program. We look forward to seeing all that he will continue to accomplish in the future!
