Meet Michael Yuska
Florida Southern College is proud to highlight Michael Yuska, a dedicated student in the 4+1 MSIO Psychology program. Originally from Maitland, Florida, Michael is passionate about the human-centered side of organizations, especially motivation, training, and development. He hopes to use his degree to advocate for employees at all levels, sharing, “Every person within a company is important and is a valued member of the organization. I believe this degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology will provide me with the tools and understanding I need to better serve my fellow employees.”
Michael chose Florida Southern for its flexibility and strong emphasis on applied learning. FSC’s structure allows students to continue working while engaging in meaningful academic experiences. One of the most impactful aspects of his journey has been working in the EMPOWER Lab, which he says offers “the ability to collaborate with fellow graduate researchers, professional mentors, and even undergraduate researchers on a wide range of I-O topics.” These hands-on opportunities, he notes, provide “real-world marketable skills that are transferable to any field or organization.”
He credits much of his development to the program’s exceptionally supportive faculty. “All of the faculty are committed to each student’s academic success. They go above and beyond to provide extra opportunities for student development and growth,” he explains. He shares special appreciation for Dr. Lew, noting, “Without faculty like Dr. Lew, I would not be the same researcher or student that I am today.”
As a 4+1 student, Michael balances undergraduate classes during the day with graduate coursework in the evenings. Although demanding, the schedule has made him “a better student and researcher,” teaching him to plan ahead and shift between roles effectively.
Looking ahead, Michael hopes to apply his organizational expertise within healthcare settings. Inspired by his coursework and the connections he has made through FSC’s Career Services, he aims to support hospitals and physicians in improving patient care and strengthening relationships between providers and patients. He is eager to use his training to help healthcare teams work more effectively and deliver more patient-centered care.
For prospective students, Michael offers encouraging advice: taking the step to apply already demonstrates a commitment to one’s education. He emphasizes that FSC provides every resource needed to succeed and encourages students to stay curious and open to learning. “By always staying curious, always wanting to know more, and having a positive outlook, you learn more about yourself and how you can become a more marketable and resourceful practitioner.”
Inspired by Michael's story? You can do it too.
With flexible scheduling, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning, Florida Southern’s Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is designed for working professionals ready to lead change.