How UIC Professor Dr. John Lynch is Shaping the Future of HR Professionals

Dr. John Lynch is an associate professor in the University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management (HRM) program, where he teaches the cornerstone course Management 541: Organizational Behavior. He is also the Director of the Institute of Leadership Excellence and Development (iLEAD), which aims to solve people-related workplace challenges.

With over a decade of teaching and professional experience, Dr. Lynch is dedicated to advancing the understanding of human behavior in the workplace. He combines academic theory with real-life experience to prepare students as they become future HR professionals. His commitment to student success shines through his interactive approach to online education and dedication to keeping the curriculum relevant to modern HR challenges. In this spotlight, he shares his journey, teaching philosophy, and what makes UIC’s online MSHRM program a top choice for aspiring HR professionals looking to advance their careers.

Tell us about yourself.

I received my PhD in business management with an emphasis on organizational behavior and human resource management (HRM). I have been here at UIC for about eight and a half years. During that time, I have taught human resource management at both the master’s level and the PhD level.

More than 20 years ago, as an undergraduate psychology student, I took a course on the psychology of the workplace, and it sparked my interest in understanding human behavior within organizational contexts. This curiosity set me on a path to explore why people function as they do in the workplace and how to create a positive experience for employees and managers. I also have supervisory experience involving various HR components, like hiring, training, and performance management. This has provided me with practical insights that I bring to the table. Now, from an academic perspective, I teach students who will eventually become full-time employees and managers. It is my job to provide this information in a well-packaged way so they can understand and implement it in their work experience.

What sets UIC’s online MS in Human Resource Management program apart from others?

UIC’s online MS in HRM program stands out because it not only covers traditional HR topics but strongly emphasizes strategic HR management. Students learn how HR collaborates with other business units and how HR professionals take on leadership roles within their organizations. Additionally, our faculty have worked in HR and bring relevant work experience into the classroom.

Our program is designed to be in alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) curriculum guidebook for master’s-level HR programs. This alignment prepares students for SHRM certification, such as becoming a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). The alignment with SHRM standards ensures that we are setting up our students for success by giving them all the necessary foundations of knowledge they need to advance their HRM careers.

How do you design courses for the online MS in HRM degree?

The key element in my approach to designing and delivering online teaching is making the material engaging, so students not only gain knowledge but also enjoy the learning process. The online experience provides instructors with various tools to transmit information, such as videos, podcasts, narrated PowerPoint slides, and more. However, the main challenge is keeping the course interactive.

I’ve addressed this by creating fun, interactive materials, including engaging videos and narrated PowerPoint slides. I also aim to create a virtual classroom space where students can interact with me as well as their peers. Additionally, I encourage students to bring real-world examples from their work experiences or what they have noticed in the media to connect back to the course concepts. One of the ways students share these thoughts is through a lively discussion board, where students respond to prompts, I provide and get a chance to correspond with each other. In addition to providing students with the chance to make sense of real-time issues in the workplace, this sharing process helps students develop a sense of community.

What professionals would benefit from pursuing an online MSHRM degree?

Regardless of a student’s undergraduate degree, the online MS in HRM degree provides students with a solid foundation in human resource management functions and how HR operates within a company. That will be especially important for those who want to advance in a career in HR.

The degree is also highly relevant for professionals with technical or non-HR backgrounds looking to advance to a management or supervisory role. Managers often oversee HR-related responsibilities such as hiring, training, and employee development. This program is an excellent opportunity to develop these skills to lead others within their organization.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their MS in Human Resource Management degree?

When considering an online program like UIC’s HRM degree, it is important to think about the time, money, and energy involved, but one of its most significant benefits of our program is its flexibility. You can structure your coursework around your work and personal life, allowing you to balance these commitments while advancing your education. For those who have not been in school for a while, taking time to prepare, whether by organizing your schedule or familiarizing yourself with HR topics through popular press books or Wall Street Journal articles, can help you feel more confident and excited about the coursework.

Viewing your career as more than just a singular job is also essential. Ultimately, your career is the story you create over time, encompassing your past, present, and future. Having a clear sense of who you are and how your experiences fit into your larger story provides continuity and security, especially when it’s time to change jobs or shift directions. Change is okay and can be an opportunity to try new things and find a path that works better for you.

Finally, remember that there will be people along the way who will point you in the right direction and provide valuable skills and knowledge. Reach out and connect with those people even if many years have passed. They may even write you a letter of recommendation for the next thing you are looking to pursue.