Career Objectives and Career Mapping

My first goal is to sharpen my counseling skills and enhance my theoretical knowledge.

This can be done by seeking experts in this field guidance to attend readily available workshops,
seminars, and training programs that specialize in various skills I require to enhance my ability
as a counsellor. Not only that, but I can also still study more journals and research that have been
released in the community every day. Thus, expanding my knowledge in this field will allow me
to be equipped to support my clients and able to address a wide range of problems.

Next goal in my future career is networking and establishing connections with related
communities. Not only this allows me to diversify my client base but also makes collaboration
with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and educators, easier and this will
make my solution base and support system for my clients to be more intricate and allow me to
explore all possible areas for solution. By fostering strong relationships, I can not only develop
my relationships with other professionals and learn more from them but also increases my
reputation as a trusted counselor in Malaysia.

Furthermore, it is very important for me to set goals that consider self-care and
maintaining my own mental health. As a future counselor, it is crucial for me to practice good
emotional and mental health so that I can provide effective service to my clients. Yet, in this
modern world it is difficult to maintain such issues well, but it is our ethics and responsibility to
give good support to our clients who need help thus I can try engaging in regular self-care
activities, such as exercise, meditation, and seeking supervision or personal therapy, to help me
maintain balance and prevent burnout.

Moreover, my next goal will be considering professional field development. Previous

goals have discussed knowledge, connection, and self-care but now it is about my contribution as
a counsellor/psychologist. As a growing counsellor/psychologist in this world, it is equally that
not only I gain knowledge but to also share it. This can be done by me involving actively in
conferences, research projects or even publishing papers in reputable journals. Thus, actively
contributing to the field of psychology can help me to be more of an expert in this field and also
contribute to the advancement of knowledge in Malaysia's mental health landscape.
 The first career map for counsellor is from recent proof which is the way I found to be
counsellor and am currently pursuing it. This career pathway started when I was 17 years old
where I completed my SPM and chose to do Matriculation for a year rather than STPM or any
other foundation for more time. In 2018, I entered Matriculation and completed it in 2019 on
science stream. On the same year I completed my matriculation, I choose to do bachelor’s degree
in child and Family Psychology (with honors) in University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) since this
course is one of the suitable courses I think of. After completing 3 years at UMS, I have
graduated in the said mentioned in 2022. I did not waste time and quickly found a job as a
special needs therapist at KPJ Tawakal Hospital for 8 months and decided to further develop
myself. Currently, I am pursuing my studies in master’s in counselling in University Pendidikan
Sultan Idris with dedication and determination to a be a knowledgeable and reputable counsellor.

Shu Yon, a founder and counsellor at Dearest You Counselling and Consulting explained
the pathway to become a registered counsellor in Malaysia. Surprisingly, the pathway is very
similar to everyone expect the courses they choose to study in the process of being a counsellor.
Shu Yon said the minimum requirement to be a registered counsellor is to possess a bachelor’s or
a master’s degree in counselling, completion of certain working hours and passing the interview
with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia). So, the first way after
we do STPM, Matriculation or Foundation in Science, is to directly pursue the course in
bachelor’s degree in counselling. The second way is after SPM, we can do diploma in
counselling which exist in Tunku Abdul Rahman University College and continue our studies in
bachelor’s degree and master’s in counselling. The third way is sort of a mix and match situation
for people who didn’t decide yet till they reach bachelor’s degree program, for example they
took psychology course and other course related to social sciences. For people who took this, can
further their studies in masters in counselling and achieve their dream career as counsellor.

Action Plan

My first action after my masters in counselling is to obtain a professional license. In

Malaysia, it is necessary for me to communicate with Board of Counsellors Malaysia and obtain
the latest requirements to get professional license. After that, I will work towards the
requirements since it is wise and necessary to get a professional license to not only be trusted
among other professionals but also help us to always focus and motivate us to develop more to
maintain the standards.

Furthermore, I will seek opportunities to gain more experience in the field of counseling.
This not only helps me reach the goal of getting my professional license but also allow me to
connect with others such as clients and professionals to further develop my counselling sills and
build my professional portfolio. Moreover, since we are talking about connecting with others.
Engaging with other professionals in this field is important since we can stay updated on the
latest research and development in the field. Not only that, the skills and knowledge for our
solution providing base will expand and we are able to provide more intricate solutions to the
client and explore new ways in giving solution to the client as well.

After that, I will still continue to study in this field because there is no way of being an
expert with just base knowledge in this field and without any further learning. I will stay updated
with the latest research and published professional journals on this field. I will also attend
workshops and training courses related to this field to upgrade myself even more. Lastly, as an
ethical consultant, we do not always receive problems that we clearly understand or something
we can relate with theories since these are human nature and their problems. So, I will consider
engaging with supervision and consultation with experienced counselors and supervisors for
more guidance and help. This will help me overcome new issues that arise since their experience
is of greater value than base knowledge. It will also provide an opportunity to reflect on my
practice, receive feedback and continuously improve my counselling skills. Thus, supervision
from experts will help ensure ethical practice and adherence to professional codes.

Penang, S.C. (2022) How to become a licensed counsellor. Available at:

https://colleges.segi.edu.my/penang/how-to-become-a-licensed-counsellor/ (Accessed: 2
June 2023).