Juggling work and academic studies is no mean feat, and Lu Jiahui can attest to that.

After graduating from Monash University with a double major in mass communications and psychology, Jia Hui took up the challenge of pursuing her honours in psychology at TMC Educational Group in collaboration with Monash University – all the while keeping her day job as an executive at the Institute of Mental Health.

“I wasn’t sure if I could get into the honours programme at first,” Jia Hui admits. “In case I didn’t, I actually applied for a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology as well, but it all worked out in the end so here I am.

”Jiahui’s can-do attitude has certainly been reflected in her ability to take on work and school, and performing top notch in both. Besides being responsible for the servicing of accounts at the Division of Mental Health, which is part of the Institute of Mental Hospital, Jia Hui is also involved in public and corporate programmes for raising the awareness levels of mental health.

“Having a background in psychology definitely helps in grasping concepts and understanding the topics I have to address in my work. It makes research and curriculum planning easier for me.

”From time to time, Jia Hui also finds herself being roped in to do clinical research and event planning, no doubt an offshoot of her other major in Mass Communications.

How does she find the time in her hectic schedule to pursue an honours degree in Psychology?

“It is very challenging,” says Jiahui. “There are problems with time constraints, and limits to my energy level, but I try to plan my time well.”

Jiahui also professes that the experience has helped her realise the importance of work experience and a good learning attitude.

When time is of the essence, it helps for students like Jiahui that at TMC, students have access to a comprehensive range of reading materials as well as a flexible course schedule. “These make it easier for me to catch up on tutorials I may have missed due to work commitments.”

At TMC, the main objectives of the honours program are to introduce students to the theoretical and methodological aspects of research through a research project undertaken under close supervision by a staff member. The syllabus also encourages careful and comprehensive evaluation of theoretical issues by researching and writing a major essay with supervision, and introduces students to wider issues in psychology through general and specialist seminars.

Jiahui adds, “Monash University and TMC Educational Group are well-coordinated in overseeing a long distance learning course as I get prompt feedback on questions and assignments. That helps save a lot of time.

”Jiahui feels that her added expertise in Psychology will open doors to more career opportunities. “For example, it will be possible for me to ask for a transfer to the Department of Psychology.”

The driven young lady does not intend to stop at her Honours, and will one day like to go on to completing her PhD.


This article has been contributed by TMC.