Baltimore Leader Uses Psychology Degree To Find Success For Others
Psychology is a vast field, in which students in Baltimore can peruse various occupations post-graduation.
Former psychology student Elliot Lasson, Ph.D. is the executive director of Joblink - a non-profit organization tasked with the exciting feat of employing Baltimoreans. A member of Governor O'Malley's Workforce Investment Board, Lasson is also an exuberant psychology professor, teaching eager pupils at his alma mater UMBC.
Where did you receive your higher education?
"I am a proud alumnus of UMBC... B.A. in Psychology. After that, I attended Wayne State University… M.A. and Ph.D. in (I/O) Psychology. I also have a Bachelor's of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel College."
How has your educational background influenced your career today?
"UMBC and Wayne State provided me with knowledge of the field and specific skills in technical writing, research and teaching. Aside from what I learned in the classroom, I received quality mentorship from a few professors who guided my training. Looking back, those programs gave me a solid foundation, on which I have been able to build the specific competencies of assessment, coaching, quantitative analysis, strategic thinking, training and talent management."
What motivates you the most to succeed in your professional life?
"In my capacity at Joblink, I am supporting the employment endeavors of many people. The concept of being a conduit towards their next employment steps in a very practical way is what drives me. The job market has evolved significantly over the past five years due to the economy, technology, globalization and shifts. I try to keep my finger on the pulse of the job market and provide real-time updates through my blog."
What legacy would you like for your career to have on others?
"Wow, that's a lofty and perhaps humbling question. I would like to think that within each of my professional roles, I have been able to build skills and add value. I have tried to operate at a high professional level in each of these contexts. Having a great and supportive wife as well as parents, kids and extended family have really been key to whatever I have done in life."
Keisha Oduor is a professional writer and entrepreneur who resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a degree in Communications and French from New York University with work experience in publishing, nonprofits, healthcare administration and program management. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
