I still remember when one of my lecturers asked me whether I had ever regretted choosing to study at IMU. Without hesitation, I replied, “No.” This answer came naturally, and upon reflection, I realized it is because of the exceptional quality of the course and the supportive environment it provides. The true value of what I have gained became even clearer during my internship, that I truly appreciated how IMU guided me and my cohort mates in so many ways.

The Master of Counselling (MoC) lecturers do far more than just impart professional knowledge. They go above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment, serving as a safe base for all of us. Whenever I faced challenges or encountered setbacks during my internship, I knew I could always turn to my MoC supervisor and lecturers for guidance and reassurance. Their unwavering support reminded me that I was never alone in my journey, and they were always there to encourage me to keep moving forward.

I can confidently say that I am proud to be an IMU student. At IMU, I have not only learned professional counselling skills and ethical principles, but I have also been inspired by my lecturers’ passion and selfless dedication to the field. Their commitment is evident not only in the classroom but also in the way they model the values of empathy, compassion, and professionalism. These values have deeply influenced me, shaping the kind of counsellor I aspire to become.

As a full-time Master’s student, the practicum period at IMU Psychology & Counselling Learning Centre (PCLC) was the most challenging time for me. Balancing academic requirements, practicum responsibilities, and personal life felt almost impossible at times. There were days when 24 hours simply didn’t seem enough. Between countless assignments, nighttime classes, and the ongoing task of collecting practicum hours, I often found myself physically and mentally exhausted.

On top of that, I sometimes doubted my ability to manage my own emotional well-being while supporting clients through theirs. There were moments when I carried the weight of their stories with me, feeling uncertain about whether I was doing enough to support them.

Self-care, though important, became something I had to remind myself to prioritize consciously. With such a packed schedule, there was rarely enough time to slow down or recharge. Yet deep down, I understood that taking care of my own well-being was crucial, not only for myself but also to be fully present and effective for my clients.

Despite these struggles, I kept moving forward. It was during this time that I truly learned the importance of time management, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support when needed. These were not just survival strategies but vital skills that contributed to my personal and professional growth.

Looking back, I recognise the strength and resilience I developed through those experiences. It wasn’t easy, but overcoming these challenges gave me greater confidence in myself and reaffirmed my commitment to becoming a counsellor.

During my internship, built upon the enriching experiences from practicum, I gained invaluable insights not only into the counselling profession but also into myself. If you ask me what I have learned, I would say I discovered who I am as a counsellor, the kind of counsellor I aspire to be, and the specific population I hope to serve in the future.      Internship provide a unique opportunity   explore the realities of a career in counselling and reflect on whether it aligns with   long-term aspirations. For me, the hands-on experiences confirmed my passion for this field and deepened my commitment to becoming a counsellor.

Beyond professional development, internship can also serve as a space for self-discovery in other ways. For instance, some of you might come to realise during this journey that being a full-time counsellor is not the right fit for you, or perhaps after gaining firsthand experience, you decide not to pursue a career in the counselling field, and that is perfectly okay. This is one of the purposes of an internship: to explore, to test the waters, and to determine whether this path truly resonates with you.

It is important to remember that the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your studies such as empathy, active listening, effective communication, and ethical principles are invaluable. These abilities will stay with you for a lifetime and can be applied across many areas of life and work. Your internship is not merely about confirming a career choice; it is about growth, self-awareness, and finding where your passion truly lies. 

Written by Lai Ming Min 赖忞敏