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.
Empathy and Compassion, Research Skills, Interpersonal Communication, Collaboration, Navigating Academic Environments
Advizer Information
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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
Video Highlights
1. Empathy and compassion are crucial for building trusting relationships and connecting with people, which is essential in organizational psychology.
2. Strong research skills are necessary for producing quality research and supporting students in academic settings.
3. Understanding the specific work environment and institutional culture is important for navigating potential challenges and succeeding in a professorial role. Different institutions have very different cultures and expectations, so it is important to do your research before accepting a position.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
I think that question is a little hard because I don't know if I've nailed a particular skill set for someone to be a professor or a consultant. But one thing I do know is common to both is working with people.
Organizational psychology is all centered around people, how they feel at work, and what we can do to ensure they show up as their best selves and do their best work. So, an individual should have compassion and empathy. They should be able to create connections, build trusting relationships, and bring people together.
Other than that, I think there are certain technical skills. You should have knowledge of the field. If you want to be a professor, you should be able to do quality research because you have to produce it to be a recognized member of the field and support students through that.
Especially in academic environments, all institutions and departments look different. I'm fortunate to work in a department where there isn't a lot of bureaucratic experience for faculty, like a hierarchy or people being political. I work in a very open group of people.
I'm on the younger side, and everyone still respects me and likes to hear my ideas. They value what I have to say. In another institution, it may not be like that. So, in terms of navigating that, you have to know what you're getting yourself into.
I don't know if that's necessarily a skill, but to do the work beforehand, before you accept a professor role, would be a skill I would like to share. This is before they actually decide to do the work.