<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/news/connections-that-build-careers.html" dsn="news"><title>Connections that Build Careers: The Power of Field Experience to Pave Professional Pathways</title><item_date>05/29/2026 12:56:27 PM</item_date><author>Hannah Van Sickle</author><image><img src="/news/images/siop-2026.jpg" alt="3 people standing together"/></image><image_caption>(L to R) Darlene Piva, PsyD, Director, MA in Organizational Psychology program; Chelsea White, WJC MAOP Alum; James Judd, PhD, WJC MAOP Alum</image_caption><thumbnail><img src="/news/images/siop-2026.jpg" alt="3 people standing together"/></thumbnail><summary>Using the principles of psychology and behavior to drive positive, lasting change across organizations was not always in the cards for Chelsea E. White, MA. While historically drawn to psychology, an early-career stint spent working as a mental health case manager made it clear that a clinical path was not the right fit. Instead, White noticed a pattern emerging in her professional life: supervisors repeatedly asking her to train new employees and enhance the onboarding experience. After seeing this play out in multiple roles, White recognized a clear path forward—one rooted in organizational psychology.</summary><category>In the Community</category><featured/><tags><tag>In the Community</tag></tags></item>