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Human Resources
Preparing for a Career in Human Resources
The Psychology Department offers many opportunities for students to get involved in research. Students can earn Departmental credit (PSYCH 499), for working in faculty members' labs as part of their research teams. PSYCH 499 opportunities are posted on a bulletin board in the hallway just outside of Guthrie 119 and also listed on the psych department website under Research and Internships.
Some examples of research studies that may be of interest to students planning a career in human resources are:
- Effects of advertising on memory
- Self concept, stereotypes, and attitude
- Human thinking, semantic alignment
- Stereotyping and prejudice
- Imagination and behavior
- Stress and coping project
Typical lab duties and experiences that may be especially valuable for students with an interest in human resources are:
- Data collection and management
- Recruiting subjects
- Interviewing subjects
- Attending lab meetings
- Video/audio taping
- Preparing presentations
To find out about getting involved in research across campus, and to learn about research training grants available for students, visit the Undergraduate Research Program webpage at http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/
Related Courses
Courses that may be of interest to students planning a career in human resources:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| HRMOB 300 | Managing for Organizational Effectiveness |
| HRMOB 301 | Personnel Systems & Industrial Relations |
| HRMOB 410 | Staffing |
| HRMOB 415 | Performance Appraisal & Compensation |
| HRMOB 420 | Collective Bargaining & Arbitration |
| HRMOB 450 | Leadership & Decision Making |
| HRMOB 460 | Negotiations |
| HRMOB 470 | Motivation & Performance |
| HRMOB 475 | Organization Development & Change |
| PSYCH 335 | Human Factors Psychology |
| PSYCH 345 | Social Psychology |
| PSYCH 454 | Personality & Social Influence |
| SP CMU 103 | Interpersonal Communication |
| SP CMU 301 | Interviewing |
| SP CMU 474 | Communication, Conflict & Cooperation |
| SP CMU 475 | Organizational Communication |
Check the quarterly Time Schedule for course availability and times.
Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Students who participate in internships and volunteer work get the chance to explore different career options on a first-hand basis. Credit is available for this type of experiential learning, via PSYCH 497 (Fieldwork Seminar), or GEN ST 350 (Independent Fieldwork).
Psychology majors interested in the human resources field have previously found internship and volunteer positions at
Consejo Counseling & Referral Services
Students working with Consejo will have the opportunity to get a total picture of the organization by rotating to different positions within the agency.
Smith Barney
King County Crisis Clinic
My experience has provided me with some very valuable job skills, and has allowed me to become acquainted with the social services system in general. - former intern
The Prudential
Sheraton Hotels
I'm confident that the hands-on experience that I've gained through this internship will help me to land a good job upon graduation. - former intern
Special Tips
Join the U.W. chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM offers educational and networking opportunities for students interested in the human resources field.
http://students.washington.edu/shrm/
Think about a minor in:
Labor Studies
101 Smith Hall, 543-7946
http://www.washington.edu/ students/ gencat/ academic/ labor.html
Speech Communications
205 Raitt Hall, 543-4860
http://depts.washington.edu/spcom/
Business
Available at U.W. Bothell. U.W. Seattle students are eligible to take courses to complete minors at the Bothell and Tacoma Branch Campuses.
Bothell Campus, (425) 352-5000
http://www.bothell.washington.edu/
Extensive coursework is Industrial & Organizations Psychology is also available at the U.W. Bothell Campus.
