A CAREER in clinical psychology is rewarding, despite the challenges, academics and students say.
“The career is definitely worthwhile, especially when seeing how psychosocial interventions help improve the lives of individuals and their families struggling with mental health issues.
“In turn, one also gets to make many new friends, creating an extra layer of social support for themselves,” said
Sunway University School of Psychology Prof Alvin Ng Lai Oon.
While psychology may not be as conventionally valued as other fields like medicine and law, it is equally important and meaningful, Master’s in Counselling student Tan Xin Yi said.
“The role of medical doctors is to treat patients and the role of counsellors is to care for individuals –which is equally essential for a person’s overall health and well-being,” she offered.
Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said psychology opens doors far beyond clinics.
“It’s not just about becoming a clinical psychologist. There’s industrial-organisational, forensic psychology – so many career pathways to consider,” he said, adding that psychology is highly adaptive and can be paired with other careers.
For example, someone could combine psychology with human resources and do really well as a human resource manager, he said.
According to Dr Andrew, those who pursue non-clinical psychology careers, such as industrial-organisational psychology, may command competitive salaries as well.
“Fresh graduates can get around RM5,000 per month as starting salaries if they hold postgraduate qualifications,” he said.
For clinical psychologists, he noted that they remain highly sought after in the private sector.
“As for clinical psychologists who are highly in demand, they can easily earn up to RM10,000 a month in the private sector with just a few years of experience. With more experience, they are known to take home double that amount,” he said.
Psychology isn’t only about helping others – it’s also about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. It encourages self-awareness, personal growth, and deep reflection on how you relate to yourself and the world. While you learn to support others in their emotional and psychological journeys, you’re also constantly working on your own self-understanding. What’s important is to stay curious and be willing to grow.-Tan Xin Yi, 24, Master’s in Counselling student
Mentorship and guidance don’t always come automatically. You really have to seek them out. If you’re just starting university, make it a point to connect with different kinds of people. You never know who might end up being a mentor or support system later on. I developed a close relationship with my thesis supervisor, who not only helped me publish my first journal article but continues to collaborate with me on academic writing. She’s also someone I turn to when I need advice on big decisions. Her experience in academia has been incredibly valuable, and having that kind of support has shaped my journey. -Ellern Eng Hui, 24, public health researcher
A degree in psychology is valuable and versatile. Beyond healthcare, graduates can thrive in fields like human resources, marketing, education, media, research, and social services. It involves engaging in analytical thinking, experimenting, reading academic literature, analysing results, and writing reports. Therefore, having strong English skills, a scientific mindset, and a natural curiosity about human behavior is essential. Psychology is an enriching degree that offers diverse career opportunities and deepens one’s understanding of people and life. -Ch’ng Tze Kwang, 25, recruitment consultant
