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Dr., Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology at William James College: Advize Career Interview

A career shift from pre-med to organizational psychology, sparked by a Teach for America experience, led to a fulfilling career as an Assistant Professor.

The multifaceted role blends teaching doctoral and master's students, departmental contributions, and mentorship. Success in this field requires compassion, empathy, strong research skills, and understanding institutional culture.

The most rewarding aspect is the human connection, supporting student growth and fostering belonging. While a demanding workload is a challenge, flexibility helps manage the responsibilities.

Professionals who thrive are people-oriented, skilled in relationship building, and adept at applying theory to practice.

Undergraduate students should seek research experience in professors' labs and internships in HR or organizational development.

A non-linear career path is possible; dedication and passion outweigh pre-determined plans, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds who may need to self-advocate.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Dr. Neesha Daulat

Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology

William James College

University of San Diego, 2013

Masters in Education - University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Masters & PhD in Positive Organizational Psychology - Claremont Graduate University

Biology & Related Sciences

Education

Education

Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student

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Career Path Of An Organizational Psychology Professor At William James College

Initially pursuing pre-med, a career change emerged after a Teach for America experience revealed "teachers are so, so, so overworked," prompting a shift to organizational psychology. This led to a master's and PhD, focusing on teacher well-being, ultimately culminating in a faculty position at William James College, where the focus on teaching and practice aligns perfectly with their passion.

Career Path Of An Organizational Psychology Professor At William James College

Main Responsibilities Of An Assistant Professor Organizational Psychology At William James College

Dr.'s main responsibilities as an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology encompass "a few different buckets of work," including teaching and advising doctoral and master's students in a hybrid program, alongside departmental contributions such as chairing the departmental research committee and participating in admissions. This multifaceted role blends pedagogical duties like "recording lectures" and "grading assignments" with mentorship and administrative tasks crucial to program development and student success.

Main Responsibilities Of An Assistant Professor Organizational Psychology At William James College

Key Skills for an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology at William James College

The most crucial skills for a career in organizational psychology, according to this assistant professor, are "compassion," "empathy," and the ability to build trusting relationships, emphasizing the field's focus on people. Beyond interpersonal skills, strong research abilities and pre-employment investigation of institutional culture are also vital for success, as the work environment significantly impacts the experience.

Key Skills for an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology at William James College

Favorite Parts Of Being An Organizational Psychology Professor At William James College

Dr. finds immense fulfillment in their role as an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology, describing their work as a "series of happy accidents" where "work doesn't feel like work." The most rewarding aspect is the human connection—supporting students' growth and development, providing advice, and fostering a sense of belonging, leaving them feeling "so much fulfillment from that because it's human connection that really feeds my soul."

Favorite Parts Of Being An Organizational Psychology Professor At William James College

Biggest Challenges of an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology at William James College

Dr.'s biggest challenge as an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology is the sheer volume of responsibilities, encompassing teaching, student interaction, and numerous other areas, leading to an overwhelming workload. The flexibility of the work schedule helps mitigate this challenge, although the substantial demands remain a significant aspect of the position.

Biggest Challenges of an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology at William James College

What An Organizational Psychology Professor At William James College Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Organizational Psychology Industry

Organizational psychology professionals who thrive are "very people-oriented," adept at relationship building and managing difficult conversations, possessing strong emotional intelligence. Success also hinges on creative application of learned theories to real-world settings and a clear understanding of the field's purpose, focusing on "the people" and organizational success.

What An Organizational Psychology Professor At William James College Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Organizational Psychology Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Assistant Professors Of Organizational Psychology

Dr.'s extensive background in higher education minimized surprises in the Assistant Professor role; however, the hierarchical nature of academia, with "stringent structure" and varying opportunities based on rank, was a notable aspect. Regarding applied organizational psychology work, the unexpected nature of projects required adaptability and a willingness to "shift and change as needed."

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Assistant Professors Of Organizational Psychology

College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Professor Of Organizational Psychology At William James College Succeed

For undergraduate students interested in organizational psychology, the most insightful career paths involve gaining research experience by working in professors' labs and pursuing internships in HR or organizational development to gain practical experience. A "nice soft launch" into graduate studies, potentially progressing from a bachelor's to a master's degree before pursuing a PhD, is also recommended to improve acceptance rates into doctoral programs.

College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Professor Of Organizational Psychology At William James College Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced An Assistant Professor Of Organizational Psychology At William James College's Career

Dr. shares that their undergraduate experience wasn't directly focused on organizational psychology; "I didn't even know about the field," but research experience proved valuable. The key takeaway is that career paths are often discovered along the way, emphasizing the importance of dedication and passion over pre-determined plans.

How Identity Has Influenced An Assistant Professor Of Organizational Psychology At William James College's Career
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