Academic Achievers Profile: Teagan Routledge
Award: Best Community Project for BCom Honours in Industrial Psychology, sponsored by the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Pretoria
Teagan Routledge completed her BCom honours degree in 2019 and is currently pursuing her MCom in Industrial Psychology at the University of Pretoria whilst working as a student assistant in the Department of Human Resource Management.
Q1: How do you see the role of human resource management, industrial and organisational psychology and labour relations change with the COVID-19 crisis?
I think our roles as IOPs are more important now than ever, as we facilitate the relationship between employees and the organisation. With this being said, we are a necessity to enhance the satisfaction and productivity of employees as we can assist with the strategies and process that need to be put in place as a result of COVID-19.
Q2: What part of HR/IOP/LR has added the most value to your life?
Gaining the knowledge and skills that enable me to give back to others adds an incredible amount of value to my life. The IOP field allows for a space where I can channel what I’m most passionate about – helping others – in an effective way.
Q3: If you could go back one year, what advice would you give yourself?
I would remind myself to not sweat the small things. Looking back, I can’t remember half of the things I lost sleep over. Life is short and valuable, I would like to constantly remind myself to live it to the fullest and embrace every moment.
Q4: What did you learn during your 2019 study year that has influenced you most?
You’re running your own race, competing with your peers only sets you back. Share what you can and learn what you can from others.
Q5: What is your definition of academic success?
I believe in a well-balanced lifestyle. Academic success is not only about marks for me. A successful academic career, to me, is one that leaves your mind enriched rather than burned out, a body that is healthy rather than stressed and a heart that is full of love rather than loneliness.
‘TAKE 5 with…’ is a campaign by the Department of Human Resource Management to feature 2019’s academic achievers. The purpose of the campaign is firstly to honour the students by showcasing them and their achievements online, and also to give other students and members of academia and industry an insight into their ideas and the keys to their success. Each profile is made up of a short description of the candidate followed by their answers to five questions we posed to them.
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