Amima Ahmad - National Board Spotlight

What are you doing today and how did joining Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. prepare you for this?

I am currently attending The Chicago School of Professional Psychology as a graduate student in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology Master’s Program. Three years ago, I would have never even fathomed myself moving halfway across the country to pursue higher education. Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. definitely broadened my social horizons and gave me the opportunity to travel to various destinations across the country and attend formals, conferences, etc. where I created a network of incredibly talented women and lifelong relationships as well.

What were your biggest challenges and struggles?

Some of my biggest challenges and struggles included a lot of personal problems that I was battling on my own for the longest time. Not only would I have to be in school full-time, but I also would be working full-time as well to make ends meet. Many nights of the week, I wouldn’t have a place to sleep and I even got into a few car accidents throughout my undergraduate career which definitely did put an extreme halt to everything. Even though I may not have had complete support from my own family, KPhiG sisters were always there to house me when I didn’t have a place to stay, and always made me feel like I was at home. When I didn’t have a car to get around, they would always be there to come and get me. I personally don’t think I would’ve ever been able to overcome all these difficulties if it wasn’t for them all.

What is your favorite part of your position/career/field?

Industrial-Organizational psychologists tend to have varied life and educational experiences that led them to the field and their particular position. There are many different job titles held by I-O psychologists who typically work in academia, applied settings, or both. They might be professors, research scientists, consultants, program leaders, area directors, senior vice presidents, CEOs, and the list goes on! I myself am soon looking for positions within consulting firms and human resources with the means to gain experience in job analysis, recruitment, and management. There is just so much variation within this career path, and I definitely believe that is my favorite aspect of it all!

What is your work/life balance?

Over the past few months, I have been flying in and out of New York and Chicago since I still don’t have a stable location to stay. For that reason, I haven’t been working as much as I would like. But I am still making sure to take time out for myself daily to pursue my hobbies/passions.

What do you perceive are the benefits of joining Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc.?

Personally, I feel that one of the biggest benefits of joining Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. is being given a wide range of learning opportunities to meet all kinds of new people, and to participate in many kinds of new experiences. I have created everlasting memories and relationships, which I hold very near and dear to my heart, and I will always cherish forever. Becoming closer to sisters on another level outside of the typical undergraduate experience has only made my love for them all grow.

What advice do you have for women that are attempting to follow your career path?

Psychology is very broad field that encompasses many different career opportunities. Not many people know about my specific career path, Industrial-Organizational psychology, which focuses on the behaviors of employees in the workplace. The ability to understand the significant differences within each individual and company that makes them unique is very important. It’s also critical to take the time to understand the motivation of those with whom you’re working. Understanding what you both care about and finding this common ground allows you both to reach your goals much faster.

How do you measure your success?

I am a firm believer in having the satisfaction of knowing you did everything within the limits of your ability to become the very best that you are capable of being. Opportunities that take time to deliver results can be great opportunities because many people crave immediate results. But of course, success doesn’t happen overnight, it usually takes a lot of failures to get there!

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