What drew me to study abroad to Malaysia? One of the factors was due to Malaysia’s proximity to Indonesia, particularly Kuala Lumpur’s strategic location, made it a convenient choice for Indonesian students to travel back and forth. Besides, Malaysia is well known for its diverse cultural background and ethnicities which allows me to explore new experiences and expand my horizons in various fields.
Why IMU University? Initially, I was intrigued by the university’s strong emphasis on practical experience, particularly the year-long internship programme. This hands-on approach provides invaluable real-world exposure, making graduates more competitive in the job market. Moreover, IMU’s reputation as a leading healthcare institution, with its diverse range of programmes and renowned faculties, solidified my decision.
My Time at IMU University: A Memorable Journey
Studying Dietetics with Nutrition at IMU was an incredible experience. It was my first time living abroad and interacting with people from different cultures. The multicultural environment at IMU exposed me to various languages, including Malay, English, and Chinese. This linguistic diversity not only enriched my cultural understanding but also enhanced my career prospects.
The one-year internship was undoubtedly the highlight of my time at IMU. I gained practical experience in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals and pharmacies to community clinics. This hands-on training allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop essential clinical skills. I met many patients and managed a variety of cases, which can be very demanding and different from the theoretical part.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in IMU’s student-led dietetics clinic, where I learned about clinic management and entrepreneurship. The pandemic made my arrival at IMU slightly challenging. I had to travel alone, and undergo quarantine. It was not an easy time for me, but it was a memorable experience that I’ll never forget.
In addition to my academic pursuits, IMU offered me a remarkable opportunity to participate in the student mobility programme to SEAMEO RECFON in Jakarta. This experience was incredibly meaningful, as it allowed me to engage in the ‘Nutrition Goes to School’ initiative, where I presented nutrition-related challenges to a large group of students. It was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of nutrition education in shaping healthier communities.
The highlight of my time at SEAMEO RECFON was my involvement in an international conference on food and nutrition, where I not only attended insightful discussions but also had the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies. This opportunity to engage with global experts and practitioners enhanced my public speaking skills and broadened my understanding of international nutrition trends. The exposure I gained through this experience has been invaluable in my professional development, giving me the confidence and knowledge to apply these insights effectively in my current work.
My Post-IMU Journey and Future Plans
Currently, I embarked on a career as a full-time content creator, focusing on nutrition education and counseling. The knowledge and skills that I have acquired at IMU, including effective communication and digital media, have been instrumental in building my online presence.
In the future, I aspire to become an entrepreneur and revolutionise the field of nutrition. I envision creating a mobile application that connects patients with qualified dietitians, facilitating easy access to expert advice and personalised nutrition plans. This app will also incorporate features like food diaries and meal tracking to help patients maintain healthy eating habits. Furthermore, this application will also allow patient to order online food catering monitored directly by dietitian.
Advice for Future Students
If you’re passionate about food and nutrition, consider pursuing a degree in dietetics at IMU. However, be prepared for a rigorous academic journey that involves studying both the science of nutrition and the medical aspects of various diseases. Although it is not an easy programme to pursue, it is rewarding if you really are in love with nutrition and would like to apply it to your patients. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your lecturers. Be proactive in seeking answers and practice regularly on your own.
Once you have entered the clinical setting, always be considerate to your patients. What you learned theoretically based on research or guidelines might not always be applicable to real life patients. It really depends on the situation and your critical thinking.
Don’t forget to rest when you’re feeling stressed and tired. It will help you recharge and improve your overall performance. All the best to the future students!
Prepared by Vanessa Shannon Fernanda
