Psychology Interview Assignment: Career Insights and Experiences

This assignment presents an interview with a licensed psychologist, Maleka, conducted by a student. The interview explores Maleka's career journey, from her initial interest in medicine to her decision to pursue psychology. It delves into the challenges she faced during her studies, her daily activities, and her experiences working with clients. Maleka discusses her likes and dislikes about her education and offers advice to aspiring psychologists, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication in the field. The interview provides valuable insights into the realities of a psychology career and the skills and qualities needed for success. It also touches on the importance of promoting self-empowerment and independence in clients, and the techniques used to address their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.

Surname 1
Student Name
Instructor's
The Course
Number
Submission
Date
Interview with a psychologist
It was interesting to interview my mother, Maleka, who is a licensed psychologist. The
interview gave me an insight into her personality and made me look at her with a different
perspective than just a mother.
Interview
When did you decide to take the psychology profession as a career?
I decided to enter the psychology profession just before entering college. I had always
wanted to get into the medical profession and be a doctor.
What made you choose this field?
Well, actually, I had always wanted to be a cardiologist, but during my science classes, I
developed a higher affinity towards the field of psychology. I absolutely loved the subject, and
the interest for it only came naturally. There and then I decide to venture into this field.
Was it challenging?
It as not an easy job becoming a psychologist and going through the Psychology major. I
came from a small town, and nobody in my family or neighbors had exposure to the field or
subject. It involved lots of hard work, and I had to put in extra work and more time in research.
The field of psychology truly opened up my eyes to the world around me and built my character

Surname 2
as a person.
What did you do on a daily basis?
As a psychology major, I was expected to do a lot of different things. We were like
busybodies and had little time for other activities. However, as I was naturally a good listener
and hard worker, I was driven forward by curiosity and the desire to know more and make a
difference. After our classes, I spent long hours in the library, completing assignments, making
notes. There were experimental, theoretical, or qualitative theses based on the most recurrent
problems to be written
How long were the hours?
Typically, I spent about 8-10 hours each day working on my subjects and fields. On
some days, the hours could be extended even beyond those, and I was seldom free on the
weekends.
What was the most interesting part?
Perhaps the most exciting part of my college was when I took a year off to work with
the criminal youth system to gain more exposure and experience in my field. I feel that one year
was a wonderful time as it gave me the opportunity to get involved in real terms. I counseled the
youth and helped them draw some focus on their life. I’m very grateful that my college gave me
the option of taking off one year and learn more from practice from whatever I was learning in
the classroom. The experience gave me an insight on what my career would be like once I
became a psychologist.
What were your likes and dislikes about the entire process?

Surname 3
What I liked about the entire process was a well-designed curriculum and expert faculty
to assist the students in gaining a professional insight into the field and career. I did not have
much to dislike about the whole process as I was always a self-motivated student. Still, I think
that field experiences can be increased and made compulsory for each student so that they can
get hands-on experience and a real picture of the field. I’m very obliged to have had that chance
to practice what I was learning in the classroom.
What is your experience today when you work with clients?
I work with a highly competent team, and our main focus is to promote self-
empowerment and independence in our clients. We employ proven techniques and treatment
methods to work on the whole’ well-being of our patients, so as to take care of his emotional,
intellectual, and spiritual side. There are no quick-fix solutions here as each patient is different,
and there are several emotional barriers to cross before reaching out to those underlying
problems.
What advice do you have for other students who want to become a psychologist?
Well, all I need to say is that if you do not have that innate drive and passion, do not
enter the field. Do it only if this is your passion and your first choice. After all, you need to love
what you do and if you are here simply excuse someone forced you to be here, or for money,
well you are making wrong choices. It is a field that takes many years of services and dedication.
It’s important to follow your heart and listen to that inner voice.