Then and Now: Morgan Powers, Psychology

Morgan Powers '16

M.A. Industrial- Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management
From Winston-Salem, N.C.

 THEN:

As a graduate student, Powers believes that she has advanced further and faster in her career because of her experience and degree from Appalachian State University. Some classes that she remembers as being especially impactful are Intro to Human Resource, Strategic Human Resource and Organizational Development.


“Without the skills that I gained in my graduate program, I definitely wouldn't be in the position that I am today, ” said Powers.


Her two mentors, Dr. Shawn Bergman and Dr. Tim Huelsman, continuously encouraged her and other students to always be the best they could be. They allowed Powers the freedom and comfort to openly discuss her opinions and concerns, letting her feel like an equal,rather than just a student. 

“Appalachian State felt like a supportive community that built everyone up,” said Powers. 

Photo of Powers preparing to graduate from Appalachian. Photo submitted

Photo of Powers preparing to graduate from Appalachian. Photo submitted

NOW:

Following graduation, Powers entered into her first professional role running the Internship Program and University Relations for Talent Acquisition. In years to follow, she worked with a Human Resources (HR) Business Partner team as the Talent Analyst supporting HR Information Systems, Talent Metrics and Workforce Planning for all of the company's Business Partners across 10+ functions. Powers was then assigned the role of Manager Workers' Compensation to handle claims and employee safety for all 5,500+ U.S. employees across the organization. 

Presently, Powers works on the HR Business Partner team as a Lead Manager supporting the Research and Development group, assisting with any HR-related items the company may need. Powers supports about 400+ employees nationally and loves that she can be the face of HR for those employees while supporting them in their career. 

Powers says that when looking for new employees, “Professionalism and respect are key! Those skills can make or break an interview when we’re looking for a new hire. We can always train someone to improve technical skills, but if someone comes across as unprofessional or unprepared then we will move on to another candidate no matter how great their GPA, experience or degree may be.” 

After having such a positive graduate student experience, Powers only wishes she had more greatly considered choosing Appalachian as her choice for her undergraduate education as well. For current students she suggests taking advantage of the resources provided by the Career Development Center

Current photo of Morgan Powers. Photo submitted.

Current photo of Morgan Powers. Photo submitted. 

###

About the Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology
Appalachian’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,000 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 80 graduate students in three master’s programs (experimental psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management) and the clinical psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program. Learn more at https://psych.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Management
The Department of Management offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to prepare students for managerial responsibilities in today’s dynamic environment. Learn more at https://management.appstate.edu.


Compiled and written by Barclay Ann Blankenship and Ellen Gwin Burnette
June 8, 2020
BOONE, N.C. 


Then and Now Alumna: Morgan Powers
Published: Jun 8, 2020 9:46am

Tags: