For this week’s IOHRM Student Spotlight, we are featuring Gabriella Gayoso, a dual degree candidate in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology & Human Resource Management (IOHRM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Before attending Appalachian State University, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Journey to IOHRM
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Gabi worked as a Program Development Intern at a local non-profit in Charlotte whose main purpose was to provide resources and learning opportunities for individuals struggling with addiction, homelessness, and poverty. Gabi was responsible for various aspects of the client experience, such as support collaboration, enhancing organizational processes, and analyzing data to keep track of client progress during their time with the nonprofit program. Being exposed to the various sectors of the organization encouraged Gabi to continue her education and learn how HR practices could enhance both employee well-being and organizational productivity. Gabi was immediately drawn to the IOHRM program at App State because, unlike many others she had considered, the program takes an interdisciplinary approach to I-O Psychology. This has allowed her to build on her undergraduate background in psychology while exploring its applications in Human Resources and the broader business world. While researching the IOHRM program, Gabi also reached out to a current student who shared valuable insights into the program’s structure and the range of learning opportunities available. It became clear to her that the IOHRM program offers the perfect environment to grow as an aspiring HR professional, offering rigorous coursework, meaningful networking, and strong support to help her reach her goals.
Student Interests
Gabi enjoyed taking Intro to HR and Professional Issues, which challenged her and allowed her to identify strengths and areas for growth in her communication skills. She also enjoyed Training and Development, which allowed her to create her own training program for real-life HR professionals and taught her how to apply theory and design/present effective training outside of a classroom setting. For the past year, Gabi has worked as the Training and Development Coordinator at Beans2Brew, a student-led business on campus. Her responsibilities include creating training materials for incoming volunteers, tracking training progress, and providing additional resources to ensure that both business members and volunteers have the support they need to succeed. Through this experience, Gabi has gained valuable leadership skills, including how to motivate and guide a team, provide constructive feedback, and foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute and grow. The IOHRM program has also allowed Gabi to develop an interest in Organizational Development, where she has been able to test ideas, see what strategies work in real-life settings, and reflect on their impact.
Favorite Part of the IOHRM Program
Gabi shares that she absolutely loves her cohort. “We have been on this journey together since the beginning, learning side by side, being challenged, and supporting one another through every assignment and project. The sense of community and collaboration has made the program feel that much more amazing, and it’s been inspiring to see everyone grow and succeed together. Being a part of this cohort has not only enhanced my learning experience but has played such an important role in my personal growth, helping me to increase my confidence and become capable of tackling obstacles I never thought I could handle."
Advice for Prospective Students
Gabi encourages students to talk to as many people as they can, whether it's faculty, current students, or alumni. She shares that the more interpersonal interactions you have, the more you can learn about the program, its culture, and what to expect. Hearing firsthand perspectives provides a deeper, more personal sense of what the IOHRM program is like and can help you determine if it is the right fit for you. Gabi also shares that you don’t need to have all the answers right away. The program is designed to help you learn and grow as you go. It’s completely okay if you don’t have a background in HR or prior work-related experience. The IOHRM program will give you the knowledge, skills, and support you need to succeed. Embrace the learning process, be open to asking questions, and trust that you will develop the expertise over time.
Looking Ahead
Gabi plans to work in the Organizational Development field and continue her summer internship at Premier Inc. Over the summer, she had the opportunity to contribute to projects that expanded her skills in program development, process improvement, and employee engagement. These experiences showed Gabi how thoughtful OD initiatives can create meaningful change, not just for employees, but for the organization as a whole. After graduation, Gabi hopes to combine the insights she has gained from the IOHRM program with the strategic and analytical skills from her MBA to continue designing and implementing initiatives that foster growth, strengthen organizational culture, and create lasting impact. The IOHRM program has provided Gabi with numerous networking opportunities to prepare for the job search, including attending conferences, participating in on-campus networking events, connecting with her alumni mentor, and engaging with faculty and peers who have shared valuable insights and connections. Gabi shares that these experiences have been invaluable and have given her the tools to successfully navigate the professional world upon graduation.
