Vanessa Myers
- Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Organizational Psychology (2017)
Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Organizational Psychology in 2017. Following graduation, she completed both her Master’s and PhD degrees and now works as an Organizational Development Consultant with the City of Ottawa.
“You do not need to have your entire career figured out when you graduate. Start by identifying the subjects and types of work that genuinely interest you, then look for small ways to explore them through courses, research, volunteering, internships, or job-shadowing opportunities. I would also strongly encourage students to speak with their professors about their own career journeys i.e., how they chose their field, the opportunities they pursued, and the unexpected steps that helped them get where they are today. Those conversations can introduce you to career paths you may not have known existed and help make your own next steps feel more manageable.“
Brief description of what I do!
I am an Organizational Development Consultant with the City of Ottawa and hold a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. My work focuses on applying research and evidence-based practices to leadership development, employee engagement, organizational culture, learning, and workplace well-being.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
During my undergraduate degree, I became especially interested in how psychology could be applied to improve people’s experiences at work. I enjoyed learning about topics such as leadership, employee motivation, workplace well-being, and organizational effectiveness. That interest inspired me to pursue graduate studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and ultimately build a career where I could connect research with real organizational challenges.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
The psychology program gave me a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, critical thinking, and understanding human behaviour. It also introduced me to organizational psychology, which helped me see that a psychology degree could lead to opportunities beyond traditional clinical paths. The program encouraged me to approach workplace challenges with curiosity and evidence rather than assumptions, which continues to shape how I work today.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
Research, statistics, and the ability to critically evaluate information were especially valuable. Just as important were communication skills i.e., being able to translate complex research into practical recommendations, facilitate conversations, and tailor information to different audiences. Gaining hands-on experience through research projects, presentations, teamwork, and opportunities to apply what I was learning also helped prepare me for graduate school and consulting work.
Do you have a favourite memory from your program at Carleton?
Brenda Baird’s first-year seminar and research methods courses were especially influential for me. They were among the first courses in which I felt genuinely challenged, engaged, and motivated to do my best work. Janet Mantler’s career course also had a lasting impact. The course challenged us to arrange a job-shadowing experience with a real organization in a field that interested us, which pushed me to explore how psychology could be applied outside the classroom and helped me begin connecting my academic interests to a potential career.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
One of my proudest moments was completing my Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. It represented many years of research, learning, and perseverance, and it allowed me to contribute evidence on how leadership can support healthier and more effective workplaces. I am also proud to now apply that knowledge in my work as an Organizational Development Consultant with the City of Ottawa, where I can help translate research into practical strategies that improve leadership, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness.