Introduction
My name is Ruth, and I’m 26 years old, originally from Dublin, Ireland. Growing up in Dublin and later studying at the University of Dublin, I earned my BA in Psychology. My interest in human behaviour and how it applies to workplace dynamics led me to specialize in the organizational side of psychology. This desire to understand what motivates people and how psychological principles can be applied in the workplace guided my academic and professional journey. Driven by my passion, I moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where I pursued my MSc in Business Psychology. During my time there, I took on several research projects that fuelled my interest in employee wellness, organizational behaviour, and how these factors influence business outcomes. After completing my degree, a conversation with my uncle David opened the idea of exploring international opportunities, which eventually led me to move to the United States. I began my professional career in Boston, Massachusetts, working as an intern in the Human Resources department at Arbella Insurance. This internship allowed me to explore various HR functions, but I soon found my passion in Learning and Development, where I could focus on designing, implementing, and overseeing training programs to help employees develop their skills and improve their performance. As a Learning and Development Specialist, I identify skills gaps, create learning solutions, and implement coaching and training strategies that support both individual employee growth and the overall success of the organization. In my current role, I take part in programs aimed at enhancing employee communication styles, coaching strategies, and leadership skills. Additionally, I lead mentoring initiatives and provide bite-sized learning sessions on utilizing tools like LinkedIn Learning, empowering employees to continuously develop their professional skills.
HR Business Fellow
career options
As I’ve progressed in my Learning and Development career, I’ve encountered several rewarding career paths within the broader field of organizational growth and talent management. Whether focusing on improving overall organizational health, enhancing employee performance, or fostering talent, each path offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the workplace. Here are some of the options available for those interested in shaping employee experiences and driving business success.
HR Business Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
I developed a foundation in instructional design through my MSc in Business Psychology, where I studied learning theories and workplace behaviour. During my time as a Learning and Development Specialist, I honed this skill by applying models such as ADDIE and Bloom’s Taxonomy to create structured training programs aimed at improving employee performance. These frameworks have allowed me to design programs that effectively meet learning objectives.
My first exposure to LMS tools came during my internship at Arbella Insurance, where I assisted the HR team in uploading training materials and tracking employee progress through the company’s learning platform. As I transitioned into my current role, I deepened my expertise with systems like SAP Litmos and LinkedIn Learning, managing online courses and ensuring employees had access to the right training resources.
During my academic research projects in both psychology and business psychology, I gained experience in analysing data, particularly when assessing behavioural patterns and wellness initiatives. This analytical mindset carried over into my work as a Learning and Development Specialist, where I track the effectiveness of training programs, evaluate employee performance data, and use metrics to refine and improve future learning initiatives.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
In my role as a Learning and Development Specialist, effective communication is essential for presenting training materials, facilitating workshops, and engaging with employees at all levels. I refined this skill during my HR internship, where I often communicated with staff across various departments. My studies in psychology also enhanced my understanding of how to adapt communication styles to different audiences, whether through written content or in-person training.
As a Learning and Development Specialist, I often need to solve problems on the fly, whether it is addressing gaps in employee knowledge, resolving issues in a training program, or producing creative learning solutions. I honed my problem-solving abilities through the research projects I conducted during my MSc in Business Psychology, which required critical thinking and developing innovative approaches to organizational challenges.
Collaboration is a daily requirement, as I work closely with managers, HR, and employees to ensure training aligns with business goals and individual development needs. This skill grew during my time as an intern, where I frequently collaborated with HR teams on recruitment and employee engagement projects. In my current role, I regularly partner with various stakeholders to design and deliver effective training programs, ensuring the success of both the organization and its employees.
Ruth
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
HR Business Fellow
:
After completing my MSc in Business Psychology at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, the journey to securing my first job wasn't a straightforward one. My time at Heriot Watt was incredibly formative. The program emphasized the importance of leadership, organizational culture, and coaching in business settings, and I thrived in this environment. One highlight of my studies was running a research project focused on employee performance, which deepened my passion for the field and confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in organizational psychology.
My job search began well before graduation, applying to platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. The competition was fierce, and like many job seekers, I sent out numerous applications with no response. However, networking proved essential. I connected with one of my best friend’s mother, whose perseverance in a similar career path inspired me. My uncle David also played a critical role, encouraging me to think globally about my opportunities. His advice motivated me to explore working abroad, which had always been a dream of mine. I knew the U.S. offered a wealth of opportunities in organizational psychology, and I felt it was the perfect place to expand my knowledge and career prospects. After navigating the challenges of virtual interviews, I secured an HR internship at Arbella Insurance in Boston, Massachusetts. This role marked a significant turning point in my career. Arbella welcomed me warmly, and I was fortunate to work with a supportive team that gave me space to grow and learn. The internship allowed me to gain hands-on experience in various HR functions, but it was in Learning and Development where I truly found my passion.
The transition into Learning and Development was a natural progression. I had to be patient and prove my commitment, but I was eager to contribute in this area. Over time, I demonstrated my ability to design and implement training programs, and eventually, I was able to transition into my current role. I feel extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to continue with the company that initially welcomed me as an intern, now contributing to employee development on a much larger scale.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, I would say, "Be patient and trust the process." I used to think I needed to have everything figured out immediately after graduation, but I’ve learned that growth comes from both successes and setbacks. Each 'no' is just a step closer to the right opportunity.
I’d also suggest looking to your family and friends for advice and support. My uncle played a significant role in my journey, offering guidance and encouraging me to broaden my horizons. Having someone close to home can provide invaluable support, even if they’re not directly involved in your field. Sometimes, those connections—whether family members or friends—can help you see opportunities you hadn’t considered.
It takes time to figure out your passion, and that’s okay. I initially thought I was going to become a clinical psychologist, but through my education and experiences, I realized I was much more suited to a corporate environment. It was through this process of discovery that I found my place in organizational psychology. Now, my passion is placing employees first, supporting their growth, and setting them up for success in a business setting. I’d remind my younger self that it’s okay to explore, adapt, and ultimately find a path that feels right. The process of finding your passion might be difficult, but perseverance will take you far.
Final thoughts & tips
Advice to My Younger Self If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, I would say, "Be patient and trust the process." I used to think I needed to have everything figured out immediately after graduation, but I’ve learned that growth comes from both successes and setbacks. Each 'no' is just a step closer to the right opportunity. I’d also suggest looking to your family and friends for advice and support. My uncle played a significant role in my journey, offering guidance and encouraging me to broaden my horizons. Having someone close to home can provide invaluable support, even if they’re not directly involved in your field. Sometimes, those connections—whether family members or friends—can help you see opportunities you hadn’t considered. It takes time to figure out your passion, and that’s okay. I initially thought I was going to become a clinical psychologist, but through my education and experiences, I realized I was much more suited to a corporate environment. It was through this process of discovery that I found my place in organizational psychology. Now, my passion is placing employees first, supporting their growth, and setting them up for success in a business setting. I’d remind my younger self that it’s okay to explore, adapt, and ultimately find a path that feels right. The process of finding your passion might be difficult, but perseverance will take you far. Final Thoughts and Tips For anyone embarking on a similar career path, I want to stress the importance of resilience. The journey to finding a fulfilling job is not always quick or easy, but every step—whether forward or backward—teaches you something valuable. Keep honing your skills, seek out mentors, and don’t shy away from taking risks or exploring new opportunities. While you’re job searching, there are plenty of ways to continue developing yourself. Take advantage of online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera to build new skills or refine existing ones. Volunteering or freelance projects can also provide valuable experience and keep you engaged in your field. By actively learning and gaining practical experience, you’ll not only grow your capabilities but also demonstrate your commitment to future employers. Lastly, never underestimate the power of self-confidence. You have more to offer than you might realize, and believing in your own potential is crucial as you navigate your career path.
Resources to dig in more
Harvard Business Review: Organisational Development Articles
The Harvard Business Review offers a wealth of articles on topics related to organizational development, leadership, and workplace culture. For students interested in staying current with industry trends and learning from real-world case studies, this resource provides insightful, research-backed content from experts in the field. Regularly checking this site can help you understand the evolving landscape of organizational psychology and its practical applications.
Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology (SIOP) Resources
SIOP is the premier professional association for industrial and organizational psychology. Their website offers access to job boards, upcoming industry conferences, research articles, and a variety of networking opportunities. Students looking to deepen their knowledge in organizational psychology and stay connected with professionals in the field will find this site an invaluable resource for both career development and academic exploration.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses and video tutorials on everything from leadership development to data analysis. It’s a great resource for students or recent graduates to continue building essential skills while job hunting. The platform also suggests courses based on your profile, helping you stay competitive in the industry. Many companies also recognize LinkedIn Learning certifications, making them a valuable addition to your resume.
