Ian Lee Zheng Yang

Course: Master of Professional Counselling
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Mental Health Counsellor, Cara Cara Mental Fitness

Why did you choose to study counselling?

I’m sure most of us who aspire to be counsellors desire to help people, and personally, I find it meaningful to be there for others. My greatest fulfillment is the knowledge that through counselling, I get to bear witness to people’s personal struggles and efforts that are far too often hidden and silent, and I hope to play my part by lending an ear or a helping hand in their personal journey to recovery as a fellow traveller.

Did Monash meet your expectations?

My time at Monash exceeded my expectations in more ways than one. Being an international university and part of the Group of Eight, the amount of resources provided by Monash was staggering, which led to endless opportunities for growth. The faculty was also student-centered and receptive towards student feedback, as was evident by the implementation of a number of positive changes that had been helpful to us as students.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

The availability of a wide range of facilities on campus was definitely a big plus, especially when it came to study spaces. On top of that, the campus was always lively with numerous workshops, club activities, sports events, conferences, and even some public events so there was nary a dull moment. Most of all, I enjoyed the liberty to explore and grow in both spheres of academia and industry as the university focused on both academic research and industry engagement with many faculties being directly involved in the industry they study.

What opportunities did you participated in while at Monash? 

I worked at an international school (Stella Maris) as an intern counsellor as part of the program’s requirements. This exposure provided me with considerable insights into the inner workings of an educational institutions and its unique contextual demands, in contrast with my peers who were placed in different organisations. This helped me understand how counsellors adapt to play different roles in different settings, and at the same it demonstrated to me the transferability of a counsellor’s skill set.

What are your career goals, or your future plans?

Naturally I would like to practice as a counsellor so that the skills and knowledge I have gained can be used to improve the lives of those in need. I would also like to further my journey in academia by obtaining a doctorate and spend a few years lecturing. Ultimately, given enough time and experience, I hope to be in positions where I will be able to enact changes that benefit our society by increasing mental health awareness, understanding, and engagement. This may include advocacy or educational work in non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, or even in policy-making institutions.