For this week’s IOHRM Student Spotlight, we are featuring Anna Van, a second-year graduate student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management (IOHRM) program at Appalachian State University. Originally from North Carolina, Anna completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she double majored in Psychology and Communication Studies, with a concentration in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. Let’s take a closer look at her journey to the IOHRM program, her evolving interests, and what she’s looking forward to next.
Journey to IOHRM
Anna’s path to IOHRM has been full of exploration and personal growth. When she started her undergraduate career at UNC, she initially considered a pre-med track but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Her interest in organizational psychology soon emerged through her communications coursework, where she became fascinated by the dynamics of workplace behavior and interpersonal effectiveness.
A key turning point came during the summer before her senior year when she interned in human resources at the company ChannelAdvisor. This experience introduced her to the real-world applications of HR, which, through weekly one-on-one meetings with her manager, encouraged Anna to explore the field further. Wanting to stay in North Carolina for graduate school, she then connected with IOHRM alumni and students, including a fellow UNC graduate, to learn more about the program. After visiting campus, speaking with faculty, and exploring Boone, she made the final decision to join App State’s IOHRM program.
Exploring Interests as a Student
When Anna entered the program, her primary interest was in organization and leadership development. However, as she progressed through coursework and applied experiences, her focus expanded. She now finds herself especially drawn to not only leadership development but also performance management, remaining open to exploring other areas of HR. “I don’t want to put myself in a bubble,” she says, valuing the flexibility the program has offered to adapt her interests over time.
Outside of the classroom, Anna has taken on several leadership roles. More specifically, she has served as the Vice President of Finance for the student chapter of SHRM and is a member of the Social and Service Committee, where she has helped plan events that build community among students. She has also worked as a graduate assistant for App State’s Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, coordinating initiatives such as Days of Service and campus blood drives.
Favorite Part of the IOHRM Program
For Anna, one of the most rewarding experiences in the IOHRM program has been leading social and service efforts in SHRM. It was a role she didn’t expect to take on, but one that allowed her to grow personally and professionally. “It’s been really valuable to collaborate with first-year students each week, exchange ideas, and find new ways to engage our members,” she shares.
She also reflects on the strong sense of community within her cohort as one of the most meaningful parts of her experience. As she explains, spending time together outside of class made her feel more comfortable collaborating, sharing ideas, and growing alongside her peers. She is especially grateful for the diverse experiences everyone has brought to the table and values how much she continues to learn from them inside and outside of the classroom.
Current Plans for After Graduation
Following graduation, Anna will be joining Duke Energy in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of their two-year HR Development Program. In this rotational program, she’ll serve as an HR Consultant, gaining experience across multiple areas of the business before transitioning into a long-term position within the company.
Advice for Prospective Students
When offering advice to prospective students, Anna emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there and building connections early. During her undergraduate years, she didn’t always have the time to connect with faculty, but she found that reaching out, whether to other students, alumni, or I-O professionals, made a big difference in her graduate school journey. She also encourages others not to hesitate in sending that first email or starting a conversation, as those connections can provide valuable insight into the program and potential career paths.
We’re excited to see what’s next for Anna as she begins this new chapter in her career, and we’re thankful for the leadership and insight she’s brought to the IOHRM program!
