Vishwasri Aleti describes her UTulsa experience with one word: engagement. Since her freshman year, she’s made it a priority to get involved, joining multiple organizations to build genuine connections with the community. Now a graduate student in the industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology program, Aleti has found a career path that allows her to sharpen her analytical skills while applying psychological principles.
Her passion for community engagement and psychology sprang out of a personal journey. Aleti was incredibly introverted as a child. During high school, she made a conscious effort to push her boundaries – a challenge that sparked the question: How and why do people change?
After completing a global human resources internship at Reinsurance Group of America, a Fortune 200 company, she saw she could become a leader in people analytics and organizational development.
“My future goals are focused on these very areas,” she said. “I am driven by the idea of using people data to inform and impact an organization’s performance, corporate strategy and overall brand.”
Aleti credits a course led by Anupama Narayan, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, in solidifying her passion. The class taught Aleti foundational theories and how to apply those principles in real-world applications.
“The curriculum and faculty in the I-O program have not only equipped me with the technical skills needed for my career but also instilled in me a sense of confidence and a drive to pursue leadership roles,” she said. “The university’s emphasis on both academic rigor and hands-on experience prepared me to tackle anything.”
Aleti received three internship offers this past summer – opportunities she credits to the IO program. The companies were impressed by her projects, background, analytical skills and genuine passion for the field.
“This demonstrated the true value of my education,” she said. “The holistic approach I received is what I believe truly sets the UTulsa education apart from other institutions.”
Outside the classroom, Aleti serves in several graduate associations. She is a senator for the Graduate Student Association in addition to being the I-O graduate student representative and treasurer for the Graduate Association for Students of Psychology. She also serves as the graduate adviser to the undergraduate Student Government Association.
During her undergraduate studies at UTulsa, Aleti was honored as the 2023 Homecoming Queen and a Presidential Scholar. She also served as president of the South Asian Student Association, which earned several awards under her leadership.
“I hope my experience encourages current and future students to get involved and embrace every opportunity,” she said. “Taking on leadership roles has been crucial for my personal growth and professional journey.”
