Martina Young, Consultant
"I had a great experience in the MTSU I/O Psychology program. The professors were extremely knowledgeable and the classes were focused on practical application rather than theory. I found the program to be challenging and rewarding. I also felt that I came out of the program with the knowledge and skills I needed for my career.
I finished classes in August of 1999, finished my thesis, and graduated in May of 2000. I currently work for Management Science Associates, which is now part of Clark Consulting – Healthcare Group. MSA's primary consulting services are labor relations, human resource and compensation consulting, employee opinion surveys, physician compensation, and executive search. We consult exclusively in the healthcare industry.
I began my career at MSA as a Research Associate/Compensation Analyst in 1999. In October of 2001, I was promoted to consultant (Senior Associate II). As a Research Associate, my job involved publishing two national compensation surveys for the healthcare industry: The MSA National Leadership Compensation Survey and The MSA National Survey of Key Professional and Technical Jobs. Also, I conducted all the analyses for the True Market Average Report product. This involves using multiple linear regression to predict specific executive salaries based on the survey data. We then provide the client with the standard error and a recommended pay range for the each executive position for which they report data. I also conducted the analyses for our job evaluation products and performance appraisal products and assisted in implementation on site.
Currently, as a consultant, I assist clients in various areas of human resources both on site and from the office. Our division (HR/Compensation) conducts compensation system assessments, develops and implements compensation systems, develops and implements performance management systems, etc. My education and my experience as an analyst primed me to answer difficult questions from clients. I highly recommend taking electives such as “Wage and Salary” and “Organization Skills”. Both of those classes proved to be invaluable to me in my career.
I think that the MTSU I/O Psych program really helped me prepare for my career in compensation and human resources consulting. I feel that I received a fairly clear view of the "real world" before I finished grad school through practica and class projects."