Written by Lynda Zugec (BA '01)
I
graduated
from
the
University
of
Waterloo
with
my
Honours
Psychology
Applied
Studies
Co-op
with
a
Specialization
in
Human
Resource
Management
in
2001.
It
was
the
“co-op”
part
that
really
revved
me
up
and
introduced
me
to
the
many
possibilities
within
the
world
of
work.
Co-op led me to a lifestyle that consisted of being constantly on the move and engaging with different organizations in various cities. I even worked for the government during one of my co-op terms. This set the stage for what I would encounter after obtaining my graduate degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
I went from moving around Ontario (Canada) to moving around the globe. My first stop was none other than Texas (United States), followed by Geneva (Switzerland) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates). I subsequently returned to North America – this time in the U.S Northeast – and then, after some time serving as a professor at the universities in Coimbra (Portugal) and Bologna (Italy), moved back home to Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). I think back frequently and fondly to my UWaterloo co-op days, which built the platform that allowed me to thrive no matter the city, country, or continent.
I now continually use the knowledge and experience I gained to provide project-based consulting work (that is very similar to co-op!) for others in my field of Human Resources and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. We engage individuals at all levels from students who are looking for practical work experience to those who are more seasoned. I accomplish this through a network and consulting firm I began to manage in 2007 called The Workforce Consultants.
Returning back to Canada also provided me with the opportunity to serve in the role of Chair of my professional association, which is the Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. My time as Chair has been immensely rewarding as I have been able to play an integral part in the activities, initiatives, and ongoings of my profession and shape its future direction.
I have learned many things along the way and leave you with the following tidbits!
- Expect the unexpected
- Dive blindly to where your dreams take you
- Stay strong and know that you will survive through any adversity
If you are curious about my journey and want to learn more about what I’ve done and where I’ve been, please feel free to connect and reach out. I am only a phone call or email away!
Contact: Lynda
About: The Workforce Consultants