Brittany Marcus-Blank

Leader, Enterprise Succession Planning
Johnson & Johnson

Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in Industrial and Organizational Psychology?

A: My interest in I/O psychology was spurred in an undergraduate organizational behavior course, which combined my theoretical interest in human behavior with practical applications in organizations. After many informational interviews I decided to pursue my PhD as a way to deepen my understanding in individual differences such that they could be applied to workplace challenges. People spend so much of their lives at work; I love how I can use research backed theories and data to help employees and organizations reach their potential.

Q: Are you a member of any I/O psychology professional organizations, and how has being part of these communities benefited your career?

A: Yes! I have been an active member of SIOP (Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology) for the past 10 years and regularly attend their annual conference, which is an excellent opportunity to stay updated on the latest trends in I/O as well as stay connected with my IO network. I am also a big supporter of local IO groups. I'm a former board member of MPPAW (Minnesota Professionals for Psychology Applied to Work) and a current member of METRO (New York Metropolitan Association of Applied Psychology). Staying connected with I/Os in my local community has fostered strong professional connections, an easy channel for continuous education, and even job opportunities!

Q: Are there emerging trends or areas of focus within I/O psychology that you find particularly interesting or promising?

A: The explosion of Generative AI is going to have ripple effects throughout so many areas of our lives, especially at work. I'm fascinated by learning about tools like ChatGPT and understanding where they should and shouldn't be applied. This is a pivot point for I/O psychologists- how we choose to use AI to update assessments, research practices, data collection, etc. while keeping a strong commitment to ethics and doing right by employees.