A Spotlight on PSY Alum Lauren Hyne

December 11, 2024 - Shelly DeJong

lauren-hyne-web.jpgLauren Hyne, a '24 MSU Psychology graduate, is currently a master’s student in the MSU School of Human Resources and Labor Relations (HRLR). Lauren shared with us recently about finding the right path for her, what advice she has for undergraduate students, the importance of giving back, and more!  

 

Why did you decide to become a psychology major? 

I initially applied to Michigan State University as a pre-nursing major because my mom was a nurse during the pandemic, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. We share a strong desire to care for others, so I thought nursing would be the perfect path for me. However, after my first year of undergrad, I realized I wanted to explore other options. I found psychology, which I had always sensed was where I would ultimately land. I switched my major and immediately loved all the classes—everything felt like a perfect fit for me.    

  

Why is HRLR a good fit for you? 

When I learned about the Human Resources program, it seemed to encompass everything I hoped for in a future career. It was a combination of advocating for others, negotiation, leadership opportunities, and connecting with people. I could not be happier with my decision to follow the HR pathway. Every day in this program makes me happy, and I am thrilled to know that I’m headed in the right direction. 

Human resources offers many pathways to explore, including many managerial and leadership roles. I’ve always felt a natural inclination towards positions with an aspect of influence, so when I learned about the HRLR program and its unique internships with major companies, I was excited! This program combines everything I was looking for, including a strong emphasis on integrated leadership, which is why I’m so enthusiastic about it. 

 

Do you think that being a psychology major lends itself well to HRLR? 

Absolutely! I’m glad I was a psychology undergraduate and love connecting with others from my program who were also psychology undergrads. It creates an instant bond since we already have something in common. Throughout my classes, I learned a plethora of things that helped me become a more well-rounded person. I gained a deeper understanding of how people function. There’s an important aspect of negotiation in how people need care and support. In human resources, you often navigate complex problems, helping others work through challenges. My background in psychology has equipped me with insights into what people need to succeed. It taught me how to be a pillar of support for someone and will allow me to provide support effectively to those who need it in my future career endeavors. With a deeper understanding of individual needs in the workplace, I believe I'm able to find solutions more easily. 

 

Tell us about your first year as a master’s student in HRLR! What have you all been up to?  

I’m involved with a lot! I am a Graduate Assistant for the school of HRLR, a Career Team Leader, the Financial Officer for the Graduate Student Association, a mentor for an incoming master’s student, and a member of the Labor and Employment Relations Association and the Society for Human Resource Management. 

In my role as a grad assistant, I am involved in various outreach activities for the school of HRLR. A few of my responsibilities include helping to enhance social media outreach, constructing alumni profiles, and presenting information about the program to undergraduate classes. I was also selected to be a Career Team Leader for the program, where I’ll help support incoming master student’s internship recruitment season!  I’ll have the chance to help the new cohort every step of the way, from helping with some of their application essays because of my graduate assistant position, to mentoring them during the recruitment season because of my CTL position.     

This summer, I will also be an HR intern with PepsiCo! I am elated to work for such a world-renowned company. The support of my mentors and peers made my internship recruitment process significantly more positive.  

lauren-hyne-quote-web.jpgI am genuinely excited to give back to this program that I already love so much. Being part of this program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The people I've met here are incredibly kind, and they have amazing leadership qualities and public speaking skills. I've learned so much from everyone around me, and I am proud to be a part of my cohort.   

One of the driving forces in my life is the desire to leave things better than I found them. My parents always have instilled this principle into me, and I think it reflects my background as a psychology major. Whenever I face challenges, I strive to ensure that the next person has a slightly easier experience. I want to be that person who is available to listen, whether it's for someone who needs someone to talk to or for a student who requires help with their application essay due to a lack of family support. That is one of the reasons I have taken on many roles within the program regarding mentorship; I hope to be able to be a pillar of support for those who need it.  

  

Congratulations on recently receiving the Shobha Ramanand Endowment fellowship! What does it mean to you to receive that?  

I was thrilled to hear that I was the recipient! The fellowship is named after an incredible woman, Shobha Ramanand, who attended Michigan State and had a very successful career. Before she passed away, she expressed a desire to help students like me by providing financial support. This opportunity is truly amazing. I am very motivated to carry on her legacy and uphold the values she represented. Even though I can't express my gratitude to her directly, I hope it will be reflected in my future career endeavors and beyond.

  

What advice would you have for psychology majors trying to figure out their path? 

Figuring out what you truly value and want in a career is essential, even if it sounds cliché. If you aspire to be a leader, seek out roles that allow you to take on positions with jurisdiction. Or, if you love engaging with people one-on-one, then look for those opportunities. It's important to listen to yourself and reflect on the classes you genuinely enjoyed. I would emphasize the importance of following your own desires rather than feeling pressured by what others might expect from you. This is your career and your path, so pursue what you sincerely enjoy. Ideally, you can find a vocation that encompasses all the aspects you are looking for. I hope that for anyone out there who is passionate about leadership and caring for others, this message resonates. 

 

Would you like to give a shoutout to anyone who helped you figure out your path? 

I want to first thank Andrew Murray, my undergraduate psychology advisor, because he has given me such unconditional support throughout both my undergraduate and graduate endeavors. The way he cares about my progress has made an incredibly lasting impact on me. I first met with him when I switched my major to psychology, and he helped me outline all the classes I needed to graduate--his attention to detail made a significant impact on me. It was an incredible experience to have someone invest that time in me and genuinely care about my success. Andrew’s support motivated me to work harder and become a more involved student. When someone shows that they care so much about you, it drives you to put in extra effort and make them proud. He has been such a substantial encouragement in my life, and I hope to provide that same support for incoming students because I know how crucial it is to someone’s journey.   

I would also love to formally thank Melanie Zaremba and Megan Jursch, both from the School of HRLR. These two individuals have truly gone above and beyond to make my experience in graduate school at Michigan State full of compassion and support. Both embody unwavering kindness, and I am so grateful for people like them to be on my team. I hope throughout my future career endeavors, I will be able to embody the qualities they exhibit as both leaders and people.