NIE enriches grads
DURING the first five years of working with cancer patients as a radiation therapist, Poon Kee Lee often came across patients who struggle with the psychological and emotional aspects of cancer.
Looking back, she mused, “I had patients breaking down in front of me, and telling me that they were probably better off dead instead of burdening their family with their illness.
I have also seen many patients who appear dejected, especially after the side effects of treatment have set in.”
Feeling powerless when dealing with such situations, as she did not know what to do or say, she then started to think about taking up a programme in counselling. She ended up pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling and Guidance at the National Institute of Education, Singapore.
The programme is designed to prepare new entrants into the fields of counselling and guidance as highly competent and caring counsellors.
It is also designed to enhance and upgrade the knowledge and skills of counsellors at a master’s level and to prepare those who may wish to pursue a doctoral education later. The programme can be completed within a year and a half on a full-time basis or three years on a part-time basis.
As part of the programme, students will be required to do practicums. These activities were something that Poon truly enjoyed.
“I get the opportunity to interact with real clients and put into practice the knowledge that I learned in class. It was a truly enriching experience, being in a position to help the clients with their issues and difficulties.
It was extremely rewarding to witness the improvements and growth that my clients made over the course of our counselling sessions.”
When asked if she had any advice to those who were thinking of pursuing their higher degree, she said: “I would urge them to choose a field that they are genuinely interested in.
“Masters programmes are rigorous and demanding, and pursuing one that intrigues them will make studying a lot more enjoyable.
“If possible, talk to someone who has already completed the programme or are in the midst of doing so, in order to get a better understanding of the programme’s demands.”
The National Institute of Education, Singapore is an autonomous institute under the Nanyang Technological University.
It has been ranked as one of the top 20 education institutions in the world and top 3 in Asia by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings.