Julia Walsh, Ph.D.

Manager, Talent Assessments
General Mills

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

A: I’ve always been fascinated by people, how we behave, and the decisions we make. I/O psychology provided the opportunity to address workplace challenges impacting individuals and to make a positive difference in leadership, organizational change, and culture. It has also given a chance to understand people’s career choices and learn what makes them thrive at work.

Q: Are there specific skills or qualities you believe are essential for success in this field?

A: Data analytics skills and effective communication are a couple areas that I see as differentiators. I/O psychologists play a crucial role in managing people data, but the true effectiveness lies in the ability to deliver these insights with clarity and actionable advice.

Q: Were there any specific challenges or turning points in your career that influenced your path in I/O psychology?

A: Somewhere along my career journey, I discovered that my true motivation lies in driving organizational change from start to finish. This realization has shaped my approach to work, prioritizing impactful positive results over everything else.