Stories of a Career-Focused Psychologist 10: Which course/s should I take?

Recently I saw an psychotherapy certification, of a LinkedIn contact, which I am not aware of. My first reaction: ”Let's research on this!”

Actually, I have been doing this for the last 12 years. Researching on all the different organisations offering psychology courses, diplomas, bachelors degrees, and postgraduate degrees.

I'm not even sure if there is any organisation or any course or programme that I am not aware of anymore. If you seen any new and unique psychology courses in Singapore, do message me.

Every MOE schools may be "a good school, in its own way". (https://sgschooling.com/blog/every-school-a-good-school-what-it-means). But not all psychology courses or programmes are good for you; this, I can promise you.

It really depends on how you choose the training organisation and course.

First and foremost, we must take the perception that all training organisations, public or private, are also business organisations. Other than the agenda to provide education, their other agenda is to make money, which is done through having more students doing their courses.

Hence when encountering the 'salesperson' (who may be the trainer, psychologist, career advisor, or life coach, etc.), we have to be highly aware that they may be trying to sell us something that we do not really need.

So how do we choose the course/s that we want to take?

I have written these reflections questions before (link in comments), and here's a recap:

1. Is this course accredited by a local governing psychology/counselling/social work body? (It is best that to be locally accredited or accredited by an overseas governing body that most professionals can recognise.)

2. Are the trainers skilled and experienced practitioners in the field? (Your personal judgement and research on the trainers is required here.)

3. Does the course allows a progression to the next level of education? (This question is only for diploma and degrees and not for certifications, i.e. whether that diploma programme allows you to move up to the next level of a degree, or whether the degree allows you to move up to a postgraduate degree?)

4. Is the course recognised by your industry and organisation? (A certification is of not much use, if there is no value within your industry or organisation, unless it is of self-learning purpose.)

5. Does the course fulfil the learning you wish to achieve? (This requires you to have a little more in-depth reading of the learning objectives of the course)

If you answered No to any of the questions, do consider carefully, and make the smart decision yourself. Otherwise feel free to connect with me and consult with me or my career advisory colleagues at SG Psych Stuff !

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