By Nurul Saadah
GOMBAK, 17 November 2019 – An alumni forum “Psychology. What’s Next?” held on Friday (15 November) provided an opportunity for graduating students to learn from their seniors to help them plan their journey after graduating.
It provided a platform between the alumni and current students to share their experience as psychology graduates which was conducted at the Experimental Hall, IIUM.
Organised by the Secretariat of Psychology (PSYCSTA), this forum was one of the academic events under Psychology Day 2019.
The discussion, moderated by fourth year psychology student, Auni binti Bahrin, highlighted the constant conflicts faced by the students. Firstly, the uncertainty to search for a job first or to consider pursuing the masters after graduating. The second dilemma was how it would be to work outside the psychology field, and whether the psychology degree would be helpful in that matter.
“It actually depends on your responsibility and situation after graduating. If you want a break, and have privilege to do so, you may do it. However, I think it is important for you to prepare yourself even during your study by starting to search for a job. Having a head start will help you in a way,” said Muhammad Idlan Afiq bin Mohamad Zahari, a 2016 psychology graduate and now working as Astro’s supervising producer for Malay content business fiction team.
The other speaker, Ahmad Syakir bin Azhari, a 2018 psychology graduate who works in Sales and Marketing Team of Coway, agreed with the statement.
“We must know our priority. Priority is not what we want, but what we need at that time. Most importantly, just do not continue doing masters just because there is nothing to pursue or because we do not land with any job. Not just that, do not let others’ decision affect yours.”
He added, “Make your own decision as you are the one who will live your life. It will only backfire if suddenly you regret your decision.”
“We always regard what we studied in university will not benefit us if we do not get a job related to our course. However, the skills we accomplished like analysing data and statistics, creating posters and researching will truly be helpful in work setting,” said Syakir.
The third speaker, a 2018 psychology graduate and a behavioural therapist of Early Autism Project Malaysia (EAP), Najwa Khairiah binti Mohd Nadzri, stated that students are being emphasised to polish up their soft skills, no matter what their courses are. The soft skills will be implemented in every kind of job as it enables someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
All the speakers agreed that a psychology degree is beneficial in a number of fields as knowledge is worldwide. Thus, it is to be implemented and improved.
After the Question & Answer session ended, the speakers advised the students to be certain in everything they decide. “Be determined and never do something half-hearted.”
The forum provided good opportunity for the alumni to share meaningful tips with psychology students in deciding their direction after graduating.***
