Wide career prospects for Psychology grads
PARENTS often underestimate the career prospects of studying psychology.
Many worry that the field which focuses on the mind and human behaviour, does not offer a bright future for their children.
Daphne Lim Fei Chern, however, begs to differ.
Lim, mother of Isabelle Lim Nudalo, 19, believes the course is perfect for youths who are patient when dealing with people and interested in learning how the human mind works.
Studying psychology, she said, can lead to even better career prospects.
“Isabelle has great interest in studying the minds of individuals and how they work. What makes people do what they do? This also helps her to understand how childhood and upbringing mould people towards becoming what they are as adults.
“Based on this passion, she wants to help young children stem potential negative effects of their childhood at an early age, and minimise the issues they could bring to adulthood,” Lim said.
Given Isabelle’s hopes to build a career in criminal or child psychology, Lim said leveraging a degree in Psychology can enable her daughter to pursue her dream job.
Isabelle, who enrolled in INTI International College Subang’s (INTI) 4+0 programme, is now pursuing her second year of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology programme at the United States’ Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
“While the programme she is currently pursuing is a general psychology degree, the modules and experiences she is gaining will serve as a good stepping stone to help her realise her ultimate goal,” Lim said.
Meanwhile, parent Yan Mun Yee learnt that Psychology enables students to gain a variety of skills that are needed in differing work roles.
Her son Joshua Chong Min Yuan, 20, is also a Year Two student in the same programme as Isabelle.
Before enrolling her son into INTI’s 4+0 programme, Yan did research on what a Psychology degree holder could do in the job market out of concern for Joshua’s future career path.
“I realised that Psychology students could develop a good understanding of human behaviour and individual thought processes, allowing them to explore numerous job opportunities that require these skills.
“My son, for example, is planning to explore the field of marketing and human resources. I believe this degree will help him stand out from traditional business graduates when he begins looking for a job later,” said Yan.
The SNHU 4+0 programme offered by INTI leverages on the flexible and holistic American education system. Modules include Child and Adolescent Development and Mental Health, and Communication or Business.
Before graduating, students will also participate in practical experiences in their chosen fields.
Those planning to further their studies can continue with a Masters’ in Psychology (Master of Science or Master of Arts), Social Sciences and other business disciplines (MBA) in Human Resources to widen their career horizons.