“Whether pursuing a postgraduate degree is worth the time, money and effort depends on one’s career goals and personal interests. Although I am currently working full-time, I decided to pursue a masters in clinical psychology because of my long-term career aspirations. I knew that to move forward in this field such as to conduct therapy, perform psychological assessments, and work closely with clients and patients in a clinical setting, I would need advanced training and certification.” – Ryan Ch’ng Tze Kwang, 25
“For me, the value of a master’s degree goes beyond just the starting salary figures. I chose this path because of my passion for deepening my knowledge and specialising in a field. The postgraduate journey has given me critical thinking skills, research exposure, and the ability to look at problems from multiple perspectives, all of which I know will serve me well in the long run. While salary growth may appear slower at the entry point, I see this as a long-term investment. The networks I am building, the opportunities for global competitiveness, and the chance to move into leadership roles or specialised industries make the experience worthwhile.” – Harshinii G.Vijaya Kumar, 26
“Speaking from my personal experience, pursuing a postgraduate degree is a worthwhile investment. With my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I could not practise as a licensed counsellor or clinical psychologist in Malaysia. To pursue a career in these areas, I had to further my studies by either securing a master’s degree in counselling or clinical psychology. Without this qualification, even with a strong passion for the field, I would be limited to roles in human resources, banking or advertising, which are fields that do not align with my interests. Of course, the decision to pursue postgraduate studies depends on one’s career goals and values. For me, postgraduate education not only enhances my job prospects but also allows me to gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in a profession that truly aligns with my passion and purpose. When local talents are equipped with both higher education and the right skills, I believe companies are more likely to retain them, which helps reduce this outflow and strengthen the nation’s workforce.” – Tan Xin Yi, 24
