Name, Credentials:  James Swinehart, Ph.D.

Job Title:  former President (retired)

Company / Organization:  Public Communication Resources

City, State:  New Rochelle, NY

Education: 

AB, Speech and Psychology, William Jewell College, Liberty, MO

MA, Sociology-Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

How long have you worked for your current company or organization?  30 years

What are your primary duties in this position?  Soliciting and working with clients, preparing proposals and budgets, designing and conducting research (surveys, focus groups, executive interviews, etc.), writing reports, presenting results.

What do you enjoy about your work? What are the perks and drawbacks?  Travel throughout the U.S, learning about a variety of topics and issues, meeting interesting people.

Career path: how did you land this position? What do you see in your future career plans?  I chose to try this after working in a university and for a nonprofit television producer; [this position] allowed me to spend more time with family by working at home; made it possible to put my training and experience to practical use in several fields but particularly public health and highway safety.

What career advice would you like to share with graduate students seeking careers in your field?  Do more than one kind of thing if possible, either sequentially or splitting time (e.g., teaching/research at a college or university while also working part-time as volunteer or consultant to nonprofit organizations, political leaders, or companies providing services or products that you regard as worthwhile.)

Ways I am involved with SPSSI:  Read newsletters / mailings / website

What is the importance of SPSSI for psychologists working outside of academia?  Excellent resource for sharing ideas, networking, getting advice and contacts about opportunities for service.

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