Although I came to the University of Illinois undecided, I knew I wanted to major in Psychology. Initially, I considered Clinical Psychology, but as I explored the field, I realized I was more drawn to the application of psychology to the workplace. After discussing my interests and concerns with my advisor, Gary Wszalek, I discovered that Organizational Psychology aligned more with my strengths and long-term career goals. I'll never forget when he used a shopping analogy to ease my anxiety over choosing my path: “It’s like trying on pants—you try them on, and if you like them, you keep them; if not, you can always return them.” This advice encouraged me to explore without fear of making mistakes.
Starting my freshman year during Covid was unusual, but Gary's support helped me adapt and create a realistic 4-year plan by examining class schedules and semester offerings. This plan allowed me to pursue three minors—business, communications, and leadership studies—by identifying overlapping courses across programs. This enabled me to efficiently explore multiple fields while maintaining a manageable workload.
The subject within Organizational Psychology that stood out to me was the ever-changing performance management. I realized that I wanted a deeper understanding of the systems in place that provide feedback, recognition, and resources for individual growth within the workplace. This aligned more with my interests in the problem-solving aspects of organizational relationships and leadership effectiveness.
Working at The Career Center was also a transformative part of my student career. I wish I had known about the many resources they offered earlier, but I utilized them greatly during my junior and senior years. As a Career Services Paraprofessional (CSP), I reviewed resumes on a walk-in basis, both virtually and in person, and hosted workshops on various topics such as resume building, cover letters, and career fair preparation. Through this experience, I was able to help students recognize their strengths and develop confidence.
My involvement in the Society of Women in Public Affairs as a Co-Committee Head of Professional Development and as a Member Development Committee Chair at the Human Resources and Psychology Organization (HRPO) were also integral to my college career. Through these roles, I hosted professional development events and partnered with The Career Center. It was rewarding to take on a leadership role and give back to the organizations and the people who supported me in my academic, professional, and personal life.
With my academics and involvement on campus, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Human Resources. I desired a job with varied responsibilities and constant learning opportunities. My internship experience at Amazon, although not a perfect fit long-term, helped me build confidence and understand my passion for HR. I discovered a LinkedIn application for a position as an Assistant Director of Human Resources at Northwestern University. The position was entry-level and the dynamic role provided an opportunity to gain experience in various HR facets, such as recruitment, benefits, compensation, and employee relations. I was most excited to contribute to initiatives that would shape workplace culture and overall success.
My future steps include pursuing higher education and continuing to explore new learning opportunities. I still feel like I'm constantly learning in my current role, and that motivates me to grow even more academically and professionally. When it comes to my career, I'm excited to keep meeting new people and learning from them. One of the favorite parts of my job is my team; working with them has taught me so much and I'm excited to continue doing that in the coming years.
The biggest takeaway from my Illinois experience is to be as involved as you can. Take classes simply because they interest you, even if they don't directly apply to your major or minors. The different perspectives and knowledge gained from various fields can help create a unique focus for your career path. Get to know your professors, contribute to their classes, and join registered student organizations. The connections you make and the experiences you gain through involvement can shape your future both personally and professionally. Looking back, I wish I could have taken even more classes just for the sake of learning.