Meet SIOP Member Eileen Linnaberry
Name
Eileen Linnaberry
Position/Employer
Partner, Vantage Leadership Consulting
How many years have you been a member of SIOP?
20 years
What roles have you had within SIOP?
I’ve been involved in many committees, such as WIN, DIAC, Visibility, and Local I-O Group Relations Committee Chair.
Interest Area(s)
Leadership, succession planning, assessment, coaching, 360-feedback, team development, board effectiveness
What sparked your interest in I-O psychology?
In undergrad, I was pursuing a psychology major and a business minor. I was lamenting to my psychology advisor that I wish there was a way to combine psychology and business, because I was enjoying my coursework but didn’t want to be a clinical psychologist. He replied, “Not all psychologists are clinicians. Does the research we conduct in my lab have anything to do with therapy?” Then he told me about I-O psychology.
What role do you see I-O psychology playing in the future of work?
For as long as humans are working and organizing, I-O has a role to play. What future jobs look like, what it means to be effective in those jobs, and changing organizational dynamics are all real problems for the future of work where I-O can lead the charge.
What work trends are you seeing and hearing about and how can I-O psychology practitioners, researchers, educators, and students impact these trends?
Roles are getting more complex, disruptions are happening more frequently, and organizations and employees have to grapple with these challenges. There is increased need for organizations to be nimble in their business and people practices, and our practice, research, and education will need to keep pace.
What advice would you give to students or early practitioners?
Don’t worry so much about controlling everything or getting everything perfect. In your career, things will get messy. A lot of the learning and wisdom comes in those moments. Embrace those unexpected challenges and unintended consequences as your best teachers.
What is one of your favorite SIOP Annual Conference memories/highlights?
I spoke at a symposium as a graduate student during my first year at SIOP. The audience was so kind. I think they could tell I was beside myself with nerves. Several strangers made a point to tell me afterwards how I did a nice job. It was gratifying to feel acknowledged and accepted as I made my first step into a professional organization like SIOP.
Please share one non-I-O-related bit of information about yourself.
I grew up in Florida and truly believe all you need for a good time is some sunshine and a lawn chair.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is looking to secure their first role in field of I-O psychology?
I-O is a very broad field with many different types of roles and careers. When trying to get a first job, sometimes people will say they will do ‘anything’ and are open to ‘anything’ because they are just eager for experience. However, it doesn’t help people recommend roles for you or think of you when opportunities come up if you want ‘anything.’ You’re requiring your network to do the hard work of thinking for you, instead of giving them a clear playbook: “I want a remote role in talent analytics within a business, not as a consultant.” This sort of clarity makes it easier for people to help you.
Are there any skills you would recommend someone highlight or enhance to help them secure a role in I-O psychology?
I-O psychology is a scientist-practitioner field. We bring strengths in both the research and scientific method, as well as practical execution in real organizations. This is a powerhouse combination that should make I-O psychologists stand out in roles in HR, analytics, research, consulting, and more.
What tip can you share with someone who might not know how to network in the field of I-O psychology?
Explore a variety of different networking opportunities and find what works for you. Early in my career, I did pro-bono consulting through Taproot Foundation as a means of building my professional network because I felt more comfortable collaborating on meaningful work than chit chatting or having a cocktail party. SIOP’s Local I-O Groups are a great forum for networking and meeting new people in the field, as are alumni networks. If you are a SIOP member, consider joining a committee as a volunteer. Involvement in committees has been the single greatest gift of new I-O colleagues I’ve had in my career!
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