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

Business

The Buisness Minor -Open to all non-buisness undergradutae students. 
Business Minor | Foster School of Business (uw.edu) 

Also, 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.

Virtual Work Experience 

Participate in HR job simulations with real companies to build skills, get experience, and find your career fit.
Forage – Career & Internship Center | University of Washington (uw.edu)