Nicholas Kovacs
Why did you choose Wright State University?
I chose Wright State University because of how well I fit in with the program offered here. The lab I joined focused on areas in I-O psychology that corresponded well with my top interests in the field. The program offered here fosters a cooperative environment over a competitive one, a rare characteristic found in Ph.D. programs that I believe helps create a more productive environment.
Why did you decide you wanted to pursue a career path in science/mathematics?
I first wanted to pursue psychology in my undergraduate university because I have always been curious about the logic behind every person's actions. This curiosity grew as I entered the work world post-graduation at the National Institutes of Health. I started focusing on my work environment and the psychology involved in work. When I was recommended to look into I-O psychology, I quickly found through my research that my interests and daily curiosities at work paralleled greatly with the research of an I-O psychologist.
What surprised you most about college? In what way(s) was your experience different than what you expected, and do you have any advice for incoming freshman?
Graduate school classes are much smaller than my undergraduate classes, providing an environment that allows better discussion throughout the classes. Although the workload is much greater in graduate school than undergrad, it is all easier to complete as the work falls under my specific interests in psychology, and I know I will be able to use it all as I proceed with my career.
What is a typical day for you?
My typical weekday follows a repeated schedule with specific changes depending on my workload. I wake up, pack a lunch, work until my first class, attend my classes and work out at the gym. I will drive home, eat dinner while taking a break from work, then finish whatever I need to do until I sleep.
What are some of your favorite courses and why?
My favorite course thus far is Social Psychology because unlike in my undergraduate classes, this class delved into greater details of my specific interests. Topics included both original and current models and theories in social psychology research related to IO/HF psychology. In addition, the class helped each student expand his/her research on his/her potential thesis topic with help from both the professor and other students in the class.
What experiences have you had since starting college that you’d recommend to other students? (ex. study abroad, research, volunteer, student organizations, etc.)
Since starting my graduate program, I have not had too much free time for too many extra-curricular activities. Though I will always make sure to schedule time to volunteer for Special Love, an organization that holds camp weekends for children with cancer throughout the year, along with a weeklong camp in the summer. It is by far my thing to do during the year and is always an amazing experience for both me and the kids! I recommend to other students to find an extra-curricular or volunteer work that they enjoy, that can reduce stress while still affecting others' lives for the better. If anyone is interested in learning more about Special Love, more information can be found on http://specialove.org/. If anyone would rather volunteer at a closer organization, the Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (www.cocai.org) has a state-by-state listing of COCA-I member camps under the “COCA-I Camps” tab.
What do you love about Wright State?
I love my major! In addition, the tunnels were a nice surprise, especially with the brutal winters to come. Almost everyone I have met has been very respectful and polite to me, which I appreciate greatly.
What would you tell a high school student or fellow doctorate student interested in pursuing a degree in science or mathematics?
I would tell high school students or undergraduate students who enjoy psychology to research all of the different fields of psychology and decide which ones they enjoy the most. To really think about why they enjoy the specific fields. If IO/HF psychology piques your interest, then make sure to research and study the field the best you can. Try to find a specific area in a major you’d like to research if you can, and if you can’t, don’t start worrying because it does take everyone time to decide. If you want to know more about the field or want to know more about a specific area of the field, feel free to contact faculty or students in the program. Though staff and students in the field tend to be busy working and might not respond immediately, I have yet to meet someone that would not take time to help a student potentially interested in pursuing IO/HF psychology.
