This week, we spotlight second-year student Taylor Brynds, whose path to graduate school reflects both curiosity and intentionality. With a unique blend of academic interests and a deep commitment to learning through experience, Taylor’s time in the program has been marked by thoughtful exploration, professional growth, and lasting connection. Now, let’s take a closer look at what drew Taylor to the program, her key interests, plans after graduation, and more!
Journey to IOHRM
Taylor’s journey to the IOHRM program began at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Business Administration. As someone naturally drawn to understanding how people function within organizations, she knew early on that she wanted to pursue a field where business and psychology intersect. When it came time to look into graduate programs, she used the American Psychological Association (APA) website to explore options in the field of I/O Psychology. It was here that the Appalachian States program truly stood out to her, not just for being highly ranked, but for what it offered beyond reputation. To further illustrate, what truly made the difference was the opportunity to pursue a dual degree in Business Administration, with the added benefit of completing it in just one extra summer. Similarly, the program’s close-knit cohort structure was a significant factor in her decision-making. The idea of joining a group of 12 students, taking the same courses, learning side-by-side, and relying on each other as dependable resources was incredibly appealing to her, offering a strong sense of both community and shared experience.
Exploring Interests as a Current Student
Since joining the program, Taylor has been able to explore a variety of interests, including consulting, organizational change management, and other core HR practices. This exploration was able to be enriched through coursework and hands-on projects, allowing her to refine her skills while diving deeper into topics that align with her passions. In addition to her coursework, Taylor has spent the last two years contributing to the HR Science Safety Team, gaining valuable experience in coding with R and statistical analysis as she worked on safety injury and observation data. This research role has also given her the chance to apply HR concepts to real-world situations, further enhancing her practical knowledge and applying it to the real world. Beyond her academic work, Taylor has been an active member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), which has allowed her to stay connected with the broader HR community while still being engaged with the IOHRM as a whole.
Most Valuable Aspects of the IOHRM program
Reflecting on her time in the program, Taylor highlights the opportunity to develop professional expertise through applied, hands-on experiences as one of the most rewarding aspects. For example, through her work with the HR Science Safety Team, she gained hands-on experience in data analysis and client collaboration, strengthening her technical skills and confidence in applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Similarly, across multiple classes, she has had the chance to conduct job analysis, design and deliver training, and contribute to organizational development projects, all of which helped her refine her skill set and prepare for the workforce. Equally important, Taylor has valued the strong relationships she built with her cohort, as the program’s structure allowed them to collaborate on projects and coursework, while also being able to bond over weekend hikes, study sessions, and quality time together. Lastly, she also credits faculty members for their guidance and mentorship, which have played a key role in both her personal and professional growth throughout the program.
Advice for Prospective Students
For prospective students, Taylor strongly emphasizes the importance of doing your research, not just on the program itself, but on its alumni. She encourages people to explore where graduates of the program are now, what fields they’ve entered, and the types of roles they’ve taken on. With alumni working across a wide range of areas, including consulting, organizational development, and data analysis, there’s a lot of variety to learn from. Additionally, she advises others to reflect on their own professional interests and ask whether there’s strong alignment with the paths past students have taken. As she further explains, when exploring graduate programs, it’s important to ensure there is a match between “what alumni have done in the past and what you are looking to do in the future.”
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Taylor plans to join Texas Instruments in a full-time role within their HR rotational program, starting this September. Within this 2-3 year program, she will be provided with exposure to various HR functions, ranging from compensation to talent development in her role as HR Business Partner. Based in Dallas, Texas, she is eager to begin applying the skills she has gained from both the IOHRM program and her MBA, which have deepened her understanding of business strategy and human resources, strengthening her approach to real-world organizational challenges.
We would like to thank Taylor for sharing her academic journey as she shows how, with a passion for growth and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, the possibilities are truly endless. We look forward to seeing all that she will continue to accomplish in the future!
