Vocational interests capture what aspects people like about a job. Vocational interests have traditionally played a crucial role in career counseling and education, and their application in HR processes is now gaining recognition. In this talk, I will explore how vocational interests can improve recruitment and selection by considering both individual preferences and characteristics of the work environment. I will discuss how aligning people's vocational interests with job roles can enhance job satisfaction and performance. Additionally, I will examine the role of vocational interests in promoting—or potentially limiting—diversity and inclusion within the workplace. While the primary focus will be on recruitment and selection, I will also discuss the broader implications of vocational interest assessments for talent development within organizations, and educational and career counseling. This topic aligns with the Behavioral Science Institute’s focus on understanding human behavior by discussing vocational interests as a key factor in both individual development and social processes within work environments. It explores how aligning vocational interests with job roles can enhance job satisfaction and performance, supporting mental health and personal growth. In the talk, I will also address diversity and inclusion, and aim to provide insight that contribute to evidence-based practices in HR, career counseling, and talent development, promoting societal well-being and impact.
About the speaker
Serena Wee is an Associate Professor at the School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia. She combines her expertise in psychology and applied statistics to address key issues in employee recruitment, selection systems, and organizational diversity. With a PhD in Psychology and an MS in Applied Statistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Serena’s research integrates theoretical innovation with practical impact, particularly in the use of multi-objective optimization algorithms in selection systems. Her research agenda aims to reduce biases in organizational practices and enhance the fairness and effectiveness of personnel decisions. An emerging area of interest (and the focus on the current talk) is the role of vocational interests in shaping career trajectories and promoting or hindering diversity within organizations. Serena Wee is currently an Associate Editor at the Journal of Personnel Psychology. She also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Journal of Business Psychology, and the International Journal of Selection and Assessment. She is also a mentor at the Pinnacle Foundation, a foundation that aims to support emerging LGBTQIA+ scholars in Australia.
Location
Maria Montessori building
MM 01.021