On the path to becoming a child

For Ms S Shalom Preethi, who is enrolled in MDIS’ Higher Diploma in Psychology course, working with children has long been a goal

By Gary Lim

Jan 14, 2022

In her spare time, Ms S Shalom Preethi enjoys watching crime investigation shows and psychological thrillers.

After all, the 24-year-old student has always been interested in the inner workings of the mind. This, combined with a desire to help children, led her to the Higher Diploma in Psychology course at the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS).

“I’ve always loved children, and working with them,” she says. “I initially wanted to go into Early Childhood Education, but my mother said Psychology was another option.”

The path to MDIS

After getting her N levels, Ms Shalom went on to the Nitec in Business Services course at the Institute of Technical Education.

Then aged 18, she chose to enrol in the Preparatory Course for Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) at MDIS College after a friend studying there recommended MDIS.

She found her lecturers friendly and supportive. “They were always willing to help me clear my doubts, which was why I decided to continue with MDIS for my diploma. And my classmates were always so helpful.”

Before her diploma, she had to take a one-year International Foundation Diploma. There, a module in Child Psychology and a lecturer who is a practising child psychologist solidified her determination to become a child psychologist herself.

“We would go to childcare centres and actually do assignments, which I really loved.” 

She also wishes to help children with special needs. “I encountered many children with difficulties. That definitely inspired me to continue working with them.”

After her diploma, Ms Shalom intends to complete a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychological and Behavioural Science at MDIS, awarded by the University of Roehampton in partnership with MDIS.

The reputable degree will allow her to start her career in fields such as research, counselling and applied psychology.

Until then, she is developing her skills. “I’ve learnt a lot of good presentation skills, which will be useful in improving communication with clients.”

Her lecturers have also stressed the importance of observation skills to be a good psychologist. “I feel that’s very important, being able to just observe your subject.”

Find out more about MDIS' Higher Diploma in Psychology at www.mdis.edu.sg/higher-diploma-in-psychology