Jasmine Loo, 24, Pursuing a PhD
University of Queensland

Course PhD, School of Psychology, University of Queensland
Undergraduate qualification BA Psychology (Hons), University of Queensland, 2006
My parents are my biggest inspiration
I am motivated by my passion for seeing lives change and my interest in this field.

At university

I majored in psychology in my undergraduate degree, which has definitely prepared me for postgraduate study.

My background

My goal is to be an academic, researcher and clinical psychologist. I really enjoy the combination of these roles.

My company and job

My full-time “job” is my PhD as I am a recipient of the University of Queensland Research Scholarship (UQRS), which also gives a salary or rather living allowance stipend. I work part-time as a psychology tutor for the Neuroscience for Psychologists modules. I am also a research assistant for a gamblers’ self-help treatment programme. At present, I am working with a lot of statistical data analyses for the treatment programme at the same time as my own PhD studies.

My best and worst bits

The stipend for conference attendance is definitely a major benefit. The privilege of representing the university in conference presentations and meeting famous names in psychology and psychiatry are memorable events. Traveling, attending conferences and meeting other academics passionate about the field are extremely rewarding experiences. Also, I really enjoy teaching. Students are a joy to be around. Working on my PhD trains me to be an academic in the future and broadens my knowledge in the field.

The worst bit has got to be marking assessments within tight deadlines. Churning out research articles for publication in top-tier journals is also very challenging. However, the outcome is very rewarding.

My happiest moment at work

There have been a few significant moments. One was being awarded the UQRS and the second was being accepted for publication in a prestigious journal. These events made me think that all the hard work was definitely worth the effort.

Getting the job

I had to go through an interview, discuss and present my research ideas and submit a research proposal. Having a good track record (eg publications and academic achievements) and good communication skills clinched the scholarship.

Be prepared

The duration of the training in psychology. It takes at least six years of study before you can become a registered psychologist. This duration is worth it if you have a passion for this field. Being an academic is also very competitive. How far you go in any psychology department will depend on publications, publications and more publications.

Some advice

Love every moment of what you’re studying. Enjoy it and find fulfillment in it. Your passion will be your fuel for success. Paper qualifications are important, but at the end of the day, you will also have to be a diligent and consistent worker.



Selena Ong Huey Pheng, 21, The Psychology Major Student
HELP University College

Course Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
Stage of course Final Year
My Favourite Hangout is working out in California Fitness
I love being a university student because I like being around friends and lecturers who have no other motives besides learning together
I know I made the right decision to study this course because I already feel proud calling myself a future professional
My college rocks because I am surrounded by people as cool as I am!
If you could turn back time, what is the one thing you would do differently? I wish I was more active in clubs and societies because I fear that I will not be able to try out new skills (eg acting, futsal) after graduation

Choosing my course
When I was in form 5, I panicked and was afraid that I would not know where to go or what to do after form 5. That was when I suddenly thought of a female psychologist in a Hong Kong drama series. I realized that I can make a living out of helping others, which led me to me deciding to pursue psychology.

My biggest consideration was that my dad would not approve of my choice. He believed that there were no job prospects for psychologists. Without his approval, I had no financial support. I tried to convince him by taking him to education fairs. As a back-up plan, I also worked for a scholarship to finance myself. I managed to obtain a full scholarship to study a foundation course at HELP University College and that was when my dad finally supported my decision.

My course
This course is about understanding how and why people feel, think and act the way they do. This course taught me to see things from more than one perspective.
The best bits about my course
I enjoy hands-on assignments the most-eg community service in shelter homes and autism centres, and a 24-hour sleep deprivation project.

My challenges
Definitely assignments. It is always very hectic at the end of the semester, where I lose sleep, lose weight and lose time with my boyfriend and family.

Extracurricular activities
In college, I was the event planner of the Adventure Club, and I am part of the choir. I have also represented the psychology department twice in the athletics event for the annual inter-department sports carnival. As part of my course assignment, I volunteered in the Prudential Welfare Home and the Katsu Autism and Dyslexic Centre. I was also the student intern for World Vision Malaysia where I volunteered with World Vision’s fundraising programme (Gift of Hope) and helped organize the 30-Hour Famine. Outside of college, I have participated in the Terry Fox Run 2007, and also in the WWF Turtle Conservation programme.

Looking ahead
After graduation, I plan to work for a while before pursuing my Master’s in Industrial-Organisational Psychology in the UK. After which, I will build my career in the corporate sector, hopefully as a counselor or a motivational trainer. With experience and building networks, I ultimately want to start my own social entrepreneur company where some profits will be donated to charity.

My advice
I strongly believe that when people are passionate about the things they do, they will be motivated to reach greater heights. So study a course which you have interest in.