Ever been told you’re good at listening to people and should pursue a psychology degree?
It’s not all said in jest, or at least, Zhao He Kok from Malaysia didn’t take it as a joke. “Back in high school, I realised how much I love talking to people and listening to their problems,” says Kok, now a psychology student.
As someone who knew he was into healthcare and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, this route made sense. More specifically, though, Kok was setting his sights on clinical psychology.
According to the American Psychological Association, clinical psychology deals with diagnosing and treating mental health issues. It also involves research, teaching, and working with communities and organisations.
“My friend’s mom is a clinical psychologist,” Kok shares. “I got to talk to her, and when I heard her story, I loved it and I wanted to do what she did.”
After completing his Australian Matriculation at Sunway University, Kok enrolled in the University of Melbourne’s (UniMelb) Bachelor of Psychology programme, ranked #1 in Australia.
“Recognition and prestige were key for me when choosing a university,” he says. “I wanted to study in the best environment so that I can be part of the best as well.”
Kok, with his family, who were very proud of him as he started his journey as a clinical psychology student in Melbourne. Source: Zhao He Kok
Clinical psychology isn’t just for women
The Centre for Male Psychology found that 80% of clinical psychologists were women, and it’s a number that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. CareerExplorer reports the figure will still sit at around 79% in 2025, with men at 21%.
Ryon McDermott, former president of the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities (APA Division 51), offered a candid take on the issue in an interview with The Guardian. “Men in general stay away from ‘feminine’ careers even if they pay well,” says McDermott. “A really good example is nursing. They avoid that like the plague.”
Given this reality, what is it like for Kok, a male clinical psychology student, entering a field where women are clearly the majority?
“I can definitely see that there are fewer guys in my classes,” he says. “I think a lot of guys might be more focused on direct, logical problem-solving. So maybe clinical psychology, being more of a slow, layered process, doesn’t appeal to them as much.”
Still, that hasn’t discouraged him from pursuing his degree. In fact, he believes the field needs more diversity in perspectives.
“I understand that some people might hesitate to speak to a male psychologist, especially with sensitive issues like sexual assault or gender identity,” he explains. “But as mental health becomes more mainstream, I think the stigma is fading. At the end of the day, people just want someone who can help.”
Kok also believes being a male clinical psychology student offers unique strengths.
“In our coursework, we see that women are generally more emotionally attuned, while men often lean more toward logic,” he shares. “I believe combining both perspectives is key, which, as a man in clinical psychology, that balance helps me stand out.”
If anything, Kok had to put in more work to convince his parents to let him study clinical psychology.
“At first, they wanted me to go into a more traditional medical healthcare route,” he says. “But I helped them understand that mental health is healthcare too. If your mind’s not well, your body won’t be either.”
Eventually, they came around. “After seeing me gain experience and network with professionals, they recognised the value in what I’m pursuing. Now, they’re fully supportive.”
As a clinical psychology student, Kok had the chance to show some students from his high school around the University of Melbourne. Source: Zhao He Kok
How studying abroad makes you understand people better
Kok wasn’t exactly a stranger to Australia. Back in high school, he had visited Melbourne as part of his school band for a tour and competition. “I had a great first impression, so I was really looking forward to coming back,” he says.
Fast forward two years, and Kok has settled in well. He’s on track to graduate with First Class Honours, but what he appreciates most is the people.
“Everyone here is just so friendly,” he shares. “In Malaysia, people tend to keep to themselves. But in Australia, it’s a completely different story. I still remember walking down the street one day when a guy stopped me just to ask where I got my jacket from.”
But Kok’s first year in university was far from perfect. For a self-proclaimed “100% extrovert,” he shared how it was “almost impossible to make friends in class.”
Kok believes this might have to do with how the students at UniMelb would cluster together, often by race. And given that most of Kok’s classes had a majority of locals studying there, trying to make friends was a little more difficult.
In 2024, however, he started thinking, “I’m not just here to study. I’m here to live and experience everything I can.”
And so, with a fresh mindset, he started getting more involved on campus.
Kok at the commemoration of the International Night Market. One of his key moments as a clinical psychology student was marketing the event, attracting over 6,000 participants. Source: Zhao He Kok
Kok first volunteered as a Marketing Officer for the Malaysians of Melbourne University (MoMU), then became the Media and Marketing Vice President at the University of Melbourne Student Union International (UMSUi).
That’s when everything began to fall into place.
“When I joined UMSUi, I told the then vice president I was into photography,” he says. “But the thing is, I didn’t have any formal photography training.”
They still asked him to be the committee’s photographer. “I was nervous, but I decided to just go for it.”
He started from scratch, watching YouTube tutorials and asking friends for tips. “Now I can confidently say photography is one of my main skills. It’s so cool to look back and see how much I’ve improved.”
There’s another benefit to all his extracurricular activities. “I’ve taken on a lot of marketing roles. They just kind of happened,” he says.
“But it’s been a huge plus. If I ever change paths, I know I’ve got solid experience. And honestly, it’s helped me understand people better, which ties in nicely with my interest in clinical psychology.”
Kok’s experience as a clinical psychology student got a lot better thanks to the great people he met at UMSUi. Source: Zhao He Kok
The best reasons to study abroad
Kok looks back on his time at UniMelb with gratitude and pride. “Studying overseas has been such an enriching experience,” he reflects. “I’m incredibly thankful to my parents for supporting me through it — it’s a blessing not everyone has.”
Living in Melbourne came with a steep learning curve. “There’s no one to pick up after you. You cook, clean, and make every decision yourself. That level of independence forces you to grow fast.”
To students considering studying abroad, Kok offers this advice:
“Make the most of your time outside the classroom. University is the only time when you’re old enough to take responsibility but still young enough to enjoy a bit of freedom. Once you’re in a full-time job, you don’t get the same chances to explore and experiment.”
For a clinical psychology student in particular, Kok suggests exploring extracurriculars that align with their interests and career goals.
“There are two main paths I’ve seen: marketing and welfare,” he says. “Both are valuable in their own way. It just depends on what kind of direction you want to take in the future.”
