Clinical Psychology 1 - UIA interview tips

Alhamdulillah, I had the chance to be invited for the first phase interview for Masters in Clinical Psychology for October intake 2022 in IIUM.It was an online interview.In the invitation e-mail, they will provide you ways on how to prepare for an online interview.

I will share the tips in series,so this would be the first one.

Let's go directly to the gist of the interview session.The interview session lasted for an hour, in which they will give you a specific timeframe for the interview.Therefore, you have to be prepared on screen.The interview was a one-to one session, and you will be interviewed by three panels.

There was three different parts.

Part 1 

Ask about your previous research

- I shared about my final year paper and highlight

on the findings.The panel may ask you questions such as 

- why do you prefer quantitative over qualitative

- how is you research impactful

In my opinion to avoid being asked many questions, you can early on shared about your fyp just by sharing the important part - your abstract.

Future research

Honestly I did not prepare much on this one as I was confused whether there will be a research in master as it is a coursework (classes + clinical placement) .However, later on I learnt that I will still need to do a research.

You may prepare on topics that you are interested and convince the panel why you want to carry out the research.

Working experience

If your working experience is non-psychological related, you can emphasize on the skills that you have such as interpersonal skills and leadership skills.As I was involved in a number of art related programs, I highlight on the use of art therapy that can be applied later on in clinical psychology.

In addition, I believe most of us had our internship in any mental health related field.Do highlights on the experience that you gained there and how it may sparks your motivation to further your masters.

Most of the time, we have already participated in a lot of programs but we did not realize how beneficial it could be in our resume.Now, list down all of your participations and picked out the ones that is related to psychology.Say that you join a community impact program,although it seems to be not related at all but actually you can link it to the importance of being in touch with community and spreading mental health awareness.That’s the idea! Be creative in linking your experience and the positive impact in psychology perspective.

Part 2

Scenario-based question

In this second session, I was presented with a photo and given a few minutes.The photo was about a woman who did a stand-up comedy but in a way was being insensitive of religious sentiments which caused a heated discussion among the netizen.

Read news and currents issues,as you will be asked to relate the issues with psychology.You will need to answer as a person witnessing the situation and also from the lens of a clinical psychologist.

Questions being asked based on that 1 photo :

What is your feelings if you see the situation

How would you encounter it?

How can you relate to the  inner experience of the woman?

If you were the clinical psychologist how would you approach the woman?

Please note that the panels will ask you to describe each situations.

As for me I relate these questions with Islamic perspective in the way to correct someone’s wrongdoings in a decent way. Berdakwah dengan berhikmah.Pembacaan tentang perspektif sebagai seorang Muslim Psikologis juga akan sangat membantu.

Part 3

Essay writing 

I was given 15 minutes and redirected to a link to answer a question about sympathy and empathy in 500 words.

All in all, I believe that our knowledge and competency is not determined on our capabilities to answer the question.Sometimes you already have all the ideas but you just have to present it in more critical way.The questions may seem to be easy, but do construct an answer that is comprehensive.Take into account that the answer that is expected is from a future clinical psychologist.

I was nervous for the interview too.But this one line that I will always remember is that “You do not have to present yourself as a finished research paper,you are there because you want to further your studies.”

Do all that you can within your capacity ❤️

Alhamdulillah, I was offered to further my studies in Masters in Psychology (Clinical and Counselling).Hoping all the best for you too.May our dreams come true.

I will share more in future for preparation tips and how to write a personal statement.There will be more series,incoming sharing would be about UKM interview tips.