Branding Awareness: The Correlation Between the Misbranding of the Field of I/O Psychology and the Transitioning Military Community

Time and time again I get reached out to by graduate students and young professionals in the field of I/O (Industrial and Organizational) psychology trying to find their way and land their first job post-education. Their struggles with understanding how to translate their knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies have a very familiar tone. I have been working alongside the transitioning military community for close to a decade now and every single service member and veteran that I have talked to about personal branding and seeking employment have the same struggles as the up-and-coming experts in the field of I/O psychology. It is not that these individuals are not talented or skilled, it is that they struggle translating their experiences and education into quantitative, “tangible” outcomes to post on a resume. Every single one of them, no matter military or non-military affiliated, have questions and concerns about the resume. Yes, the one document that we all feel has to showcase, highlight and place us in our best light on our best days. Yes, the document that should (and probably will) be out-of-style and replaced by an entirely different competency-based and skills-based formula in the next decade or sooner. But here’s the best news of all - a change is coming and we all have an opportunity to use the misbranding of our field and of ourselves as a way to forge our own direction.

As some of you are reading through this article, you have probably already stopped and asked yourself, what in the universe is I/O psychology anyway? Most of us in our field spend more time explaining what our field actually is rather than focusing on our expertise in the field! The field of I/O psychology in the simplest terms is the study of behavior in the workplace. The industrial side focuses on impacts companies face like training and hiring employees and the organizational side focuses on employee stressors, well-being, satisfaction and even work-life balance. The two sides to it often cross-pollinate and as I/O practitioners, our experts are able to provide a psychological (behavior-focused) perspective to organizations. There are no licensing requirements (in majority of states) and the way that our field translates into jobs is actually incredibly broad which ensures endless possibilities. But that’s just it - the endless possibilities can also be incredibly overwhelming. How does one figure out their landing pad in a field so large? Sounds strangely familiar to our transitioning military community. How does one figure out how to stand out as a professional in a workforce so large??

When possibilities are so abundant (and they truly are!), this can feel incredibly overwhelming. Personal branding can feel impossible. Misbranding can feel real. But consider that you have an opportunity here to really figure yourself and the way you “show up” in your field and in your communities. Think about it! You can truly own your landing pad and define your own expertise. Especially in the field of I/O psychology, each of you should consider this a truly opportunistic situation. A field that captures the true essence of the “human” focus in the workplace, with endless possibilities and employment opportunities opening up in all kinds of industries and markets. The same goes for the transitioning service member and veterans seeking their brand, you can define your own expertise.?

Part of figuring out how you want to “show up” is through exploration and experimenting. So, start small and build. Figure out first what overarching concepts or topics you like to talk about, what peaks your interest. What kinds of stories or articles cause you to stop the finger scrolling? What kinds of stories or topics get you energized? This is the best way to find that source of momentum. When you can identify those few topic areas, then start talking about them. Open the dialogue with your networks. If you don’t have a network, you have to start somewhere, so start just posting about these topics on your channels. Find hashtags that align with your topics. Be focused and strategically build. That way, you don’t end up like some of us who have to scroll for 10 minutes before we find anything we actually like to read or engage in.

When exploring your brand, consider that you want people to bring up your name or make an introduction to you when you’re not only in the room, but not in the room. What do I mean by this? You want to be clear on how your brand gives value! There have been many times over the last few years that I get messages and emails from people that had heard about me through their network or at an event that I wasn’t even present at. Those are the defining moments for your brand, when people know that they can come to you or reach out to you about a specific topic or area of expertise.?

Most importantly of all, be authentic. Put your personality into it. People want and crave personal connection and the brands they are considering?working with. Most success stories have a lot to do with the person behind the brand and little with the brand itself. Some professionals are worried about this because they don’t want to come off as focused on self, but the truth is, especially as we are “showing up” more as experts, it is best to be yourself. This is what makes you unique and sets you apart in the land of possibilities. If you don’t tap into yourself, you’ll end up sounding just like everyone else. And consider, how easy is it to “show up” as yourself daily rather than really focusing on structuring yourself daily.?

Look, there is no specific formula to success for every single professional out there. However, there are formulas that can soften that landing and provide you momentum and trajectory. Focus on what speaks to you and what works for you. The more you start engaging with like-minded professionals, the more solid your network and community will be. Get involved in opportunities. Sign up for those virtual and in-person networking events. It is okay pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Beyond your comfort zone is growth! And, how exciting is that?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals and experts you find along the way. Ask them questions. Send them the message or the email. Most are willing to provide advice or a quick message of where to go next.?

Stay tuned, as I plan to push out opportunities for those in the I/O psychology field and our military transition communities alike! #iopsych #iopsychology

-Dr. Prete?

PhD in I/O Psychology?

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