Becoming a registered Industrial-Organisational Psychologist (IOP) is unquestionably a demanding undertaking. The creation of the Interest Group for Emerging Work Psychologists (IGEWP) stemmed from the recognition of the specific needs and challenges faced by interns and emerging IOPs throughout the country. Motivated by a shared commitment to give back and assist others on the path to IOP registration, IGEWP was established to provide support and guidance to fellow emerging IOPs.

The vision of IGEWP is to create a supportive and inclusive community that empowers and guides interns and emerging Industrial-Organisational IOPs in their journey towards IOP registration. IGEWP aims to foster a professional environment where emerging IOPs can thrive and contribute to the field of work psychology.

The mission of IGEWP is to provide a platform and resources for interns and emerging IOPs to navigate the process of becoming registered IOPs. The interest group strives to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and advocacy for emerging IOPs. IGEWP aims to address the needs and challenges faced by interns and emerging IOPs by providing guidance, support, and information related to internships, workplace readiness, ethics, transformation, professional organizations, corporate partnerships, university support, and international student issues.

What are the goals of the interest group?

1. Provide a platform for emerging work psychologists to seek information and ask questions about becoming an intern and registering as an IOP with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
2. Create opportunities for networking among emerging IOPs to foster professional connections and collaborations.
3. Act as a communication link between key stakeholders, giving emerging IOPs a voice in the field.
4. Build relationships with key stakeholders to bridge the gap between being an emerging IOP and a registered professional.
5. Develop a succession plan for the interest group to ensure its ongoing relevance and representation of the needs of interns and emerging IOPs.

Specific events:

• August 2021: Ethics 101 workshop
• November 2021: Workplace readiness workshop
• February 2022: NWU student chapter info session
• March 2022: Quarterly report writing and internship tracking workshop
• April 2022: Emerging IOP meet-up session
• April 2022: Workplace readiness NWU graduate CV construction workshop
• May 2022: Wellness workshop in collaboration with the Kaya Group.
• July 2022: IGEWP emerging IOP survey results in comparison discussion at SIOPSA conference
• July 2022: Emerging IOP Q & A session

Testimonials:

“I am a Masters student and am currently in the process of registration as an intern IOP. I have reached out to IGEWP members before for assistance and they have always been willing to help. Becoming an IOP is a daunting process, it has been very reassuring knowing that we have the support of this group as emerging IOPs.”

“Marelie has been so amazing since I first messaged her about studies and the IOP field. I have always been scared to ask questions or reach out but Marelie made it such a comfortable environment for me to reach out any time. I know her for over a year and she has always been there to help. A phone call, voice note or message was never too much for her. She really made a difference in how I approached IOP applications and the field in general. I am grateful to her and the SIOPSA family she introduced me to.”

“A great platform to share experiences and received guidance while also reaching to others in the same field as emerging work psychologists, The team is most welcoming and receptive to all ideas and opinions shared.

Great work! ✨”

“I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you and Nicole Hayes for helping me when my primary supervisor ghosted me. Both of you tried your utmost best in trying to find me a supervisor to help sign off my quarter reports as I was in my last 2 quarters. Without the assistance of this platform, we emerging IOP or interns would have no one to speak to or have guidance from fellow IOPs who have walked through this part.

So thank you for that.

You'll have given me a platform to be heard and to never give up.”