Walker Hilton

Organizational Development Consultant
Lockheed Martin

Q: How do you stay updated on the latest trends and research in the field of I/O psychology?

A: You should always be reading and learning about the latest research available for the field. Finding dedicated time can be tricky, but we should always be investing in our continual development and advancement of the field.

Q: Have you pursued any certifications or additional training to enhance your skills as an I/O psychologist?

A: I have obtained the SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and Prosci certifications to reinforce my capabilities where change processes impact the individuals in an organization. I have found that the HR certifications help me better partner with HR peers by further understanding their objectives and challenges. My hope is to add a coaching and assessment certification soon.

Q: Can you provide examples of how I/O psychology has made a significant positive impact on the organizations you've worked with?

A: I/O psychology has made a positive impact on the organizations I have worked at by providing evidence-based processes to make sound decisions. The wonderful thing about I/O psychology is the umbrella is quite wide, allowing for contributions in areas such as succession planning, selection, and development.

Q: How do you see the field of I/O psychology evolving in the coming years?

A: AI is going to disrupt yet enrich a lot of workplace processes and reduce the time that some tasks may take. This will result in a tremendous amount of additional data, so understanding how to best navigate and utilize this change will be important in advancing the I/O field.

Q: Do you find that your research informs your practical work, and vice versa?

A: I have found that my research makes me more deliberate and attentive to my practical work. I am much more aware of the decisions I am making in process design and it has also helped me grow in getting feedback in my work product.