Careers in Organisational Psychology

This section outlines the core skill areas of Organisational Psychologists, and how to gain the core skill and practical skills.

What do I need to become one?

Personal requirements

• good at observing and relating to a wide variety of people
• respectful of people from different cultures
• able to analyse and evaluate human behaviour
• concerned for the well being of others
• patient and adaptable
• able to keep information private
• self aware and non-judgemental and able to influence others
• able to work well under pressure, make decisions and cope with stress
• able to balance professional ethics with commercial realities

Skills and knowledge needed

• Human – machine interaction and work place design
• Job analysis and competency design
• Selection and assessment
• Coaching, Counselling and career development
• Training and development
• Employee relations and motivation
• Organisational development and change

Studying to be an Organisational Psychologist

Typically entry to the career is through completion of a Bachelors Degree majoring in Psychology (or sometimes Human Resource Management) and then a Honours or Masters Degree in Organisational Psychology.

The New Zealand Universities offering programmes in Organisational Psychology include:

• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• Waikato University

To become a Chartered Member of the Institute and Psychologist you would then complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology or complete an in-house programme such as is offered the New Zealand Defence Force or Department of Corrections. This is completed whilst working and involves submitting projects for review, supervision and an oral exam.

New Zealand Universities offering Chartered and Registration options include:

• Massey University Post Graduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology or Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice