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When Isabel “Izzy” Banks left Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Chicago, she brought with her a clear vision: to create more inclusive workplaces shaped by her own experiences. Now pursuing her master’s in Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology at ���������ƽ��, she has found both the preparation and support she hoped for.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a growing field that applies psychological principles to the workplace. The “industrial” side focuses on training, recruitment, employee selection, and the structural systems that help organizations function. The “organizational” side centers on people—examining motivation, teamwork, group behavior, and issues such as absenteeism or employee engagement. This combination prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, from human resources and consulting to organizational development and leadership training. For Izzy, the program offers the best of both worlds: an interest in structure and systems, balanced with a passion for supporting people.

Izzy chose ���������ƽ�� because of the program’s applied approach. “I ultimately decided to go with ���������ƽ�� because of the location of the school, Chicago being a super busy hub for major organizations, in addition to the program being very applied,” Izzy explained. “My interest is in how we can use these theories and research in real world applications.”

Her academic journey is also personal. “I have a learning disability, so for me, there were a lot of unknowns as to how I would navigate the working world with my disability,” she said. “I wanted to spend my career creating pathways and resources for other people like me.”

At ���������ƽ��, faculty have been a defining strength. “What makes the ���������ƽ�� IO Psychology program so successful is the professors,” Izzy shared. “They’re wanting to see you succeed, wanting to make you confident, not only in your master’s program, but also in your career.”

Support from staff has eased her transition into graduate school. “The guidance and support that I’ve gotten from staff at ���������ƽ�� has made getting my master’s degree more streamlined,” she noted.

Classroom experiences, especially her Personnel course with Dr. Adrian Thomas, have been highlights. “He really challenges us to think about what we’re learning in a real-world context… all of our lectures felt more like conversations,” Izzy recalled. Dr. Thomas is the Helford Endowed Chair of Psychology at ���������ƽ��, and had this to say of his time working with Izzy:

“Izzy is absolutely wonderful. She is the type of student that literally makes the students and the faculty better at what they do. Colleagues like her make it easier and more fun to keep up the good fight. She epitomizes the effort, grit, determination and thirst to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities for the good of humanity! She will do great things!”

Beyond coursework, ���������ƽ�� offers practical learning. Izzy described participating in the program’s consulting challenge, where students present solutions to professionals. “For me, that was very valuable, because it gave a glimpse into what exactly that process is, and how exactly are we using those skills… in real world applications.”

She has also benefitted from ���������ƽ��’s networking resources. “���������ƽ�� has been very beneficial in developing my professional network and helping me look for job opportunities. Our director, Dr. Lynise Carr, provides so many links and networking possibilities for internships,” Izzy said. Of her time working with Izzy, Dr. Carr says, “Izzy is a delight to work with in class and out.  She really thinks deeply about how to conceptualize each research theory and apply it to real life scenarios.  Her questions show a high level of critical thinking and her calm, friendly presence puts everyone around her at ease. She is a pleasure to have in class and in the program.”

Looking ahead, Izzy hopes to support students and families navigating learning differences. “Working with schools would be, honestly, my end goal, dream job,” she shared.

To prospective students, she offers simple advice: “Come for the professors. These people are truly here to see you succeed on the individual level… and they’re really here for not only your success in the program, but for later in your career.”