by postie | Mar 28, 2018 | Education
Are you wondering whether Optometry is the best course to study in college? No doubt, trying to decide on what to study can be confusing, and this article will give you some insights concerning optometry.
What is Optometry and Vision Science?
Optometry and vision studies involve learning how to examine, and diagnosis of optical issues. After studying optometry, you stand a chance working as a certified optometrist in either of the following places;
- Teaching optometry science in universities, colleges, research institutions, etc.
- Working as a qualified optometrist in either a public or private hospital
- Opening your optometry practice where you can create jobs for others
Why an optometry and vision course could be the right choice for you?
Being an optometrist means helping in eradicating loss of sight.
Do you feel sad when you see a blind person? If you always end up wondering whether a doctor could have prevented the loss of sight, this might be the right course for you.
An article on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov reveals a joint venture by the International Agency for the Prevention of blindness and World Health Organization.
The two organizations came together to establish a blindness-related worldwide initiative dubbed Vision 2020. The joint venture focused on eliminating impaired vision and preventable blindness actively through community healthcare activities.
A more in-depth look at the article reveals that there’s a significant world population that suffers from avoidable blindness. Statistics according to the report are as follows;
- 5% of child blindness occurring in developed countries is preventable
- Most of the avoidable blindness goes uncorrected, which is devastating
- Developing countries have also reported about 25% of preventable blindness, with Australia being the leader.
As a qualified optometrist, you will be part of amending the terrible blindness menace. Therefore, no child or adult will ever have to suffer due to blindness.
Most optometrists enjoy career longevity.
Unlike most professions, there’s no retirement cap for optometrists unless of course, it’s by choice. You can, therefore, practice for the rest of your life, helping people regain their sight.
An optometry career in Malaysia is financially rewarding.
Besides having a deep passion in any field of study, it’s also paramount to earn a decent living. Obtaining a good salary means that you can be able to sustain your livelihood and support your family.
Once you’re comfortable salary-wise you can be able to do what you love doing most; your job. You can also pay back your student loans if any, to help you proceed with your life, debt-free.
An optometrist in Malaysian earns from RM137, 962 (MYR) to RM256, 508 (MYR), depending on the level of experience. The salary can provide a pretty decent livelihood in Malaysia.
Short study duration
If you think that you’ll need to study for a lengthy period to start a career in optometry, you’re wrong. A typical Optometry and Vision Science course only last four short years.
Within the four years, you’ll have equipped yourself with the following areas of study;
- Optical Practice
- Vision Science
- Basic science Essentials
- Specialty and General Optometry practices
The above studies will prepare you for the real world, to enable you to practice with the highest degree of professionalism.
Before you , ensure that you do so in a reputable institution. The institution must have certified and qualified teaching personnel, and must also have a learning approach that is student and industry-centered. Also, ensure that the school has well maintained and up to date facilities and study equipment.
by Caleb | May 14, 2017 | Career and Education
Ipoh is the third largest city in Malaysia, and the economy has been steadily growing. Ipoh has been a prime vacation spot for local Malaysians and tourists alike as they explore historical sites, natural wonders, and cozy neighborhoods.
What is not so well-known is the booming economy and industries in the capital of Perak. With the growing number of people migrating to Ipoh, more and more jobs are created. Still, a lot of Malaysians are unsure in which industries they can find job vacancies in Ipoh. Check out these five growing industries to begin your flourishing and long career in Ipoh.
Manufacturing
Ipoh is widely known for its chemical, metal, and product manufacturing industry. With a lot of lands available for warehouses and factories, Ipoh is home to conglomerates manufacturing everything from soaps, micro conductors and so much more. You can begin your career as a management trainee or in the engineering and IT departments.
Construction
Construction jobs never run out in Ipoh. As the city is booming, so is the construction of new hotels, restaurants, roads and buildings to meet the growing demand of new people coming in. Your career in construction can begin in the technical route or the managerial route as a management trainee or supervisor.
Hospitality
Ipoh is flushed with historical and tourist sites that rendered the city one of the most photographable in Malaysia. With the influx of tourists, hotels, resorts, and tour agencies are popping up left and right. There’s a selection of positions available for a career in marketing and sales for hotels or as a city expert for tour agencies.
IT
Ipoh may not seem like the most technologically advanced city, but it is one modernizing at a quick rate. IT solutions providers understand the need for companies across a range of industries that are in need of IT solutions and more and more IT companies are opening in Ipoh. Your career can begin not just in a technical role but also as an account or project manager.
Banking
As more and more people move to Ipoh and business setting up, banks have begun opening up branches all over Ipoh for these new clients. Banks like OCPB and Ambank Mecham have several locations already and need new hires for client-facing roles.
If you have plans to begin a long and fruitful career in Ipoh, you can start your search in one of these five industries. These five industries are just starting to grow and will get even bigger in the years to come.
by Caleb | Apr 13, 2017 | Career and Education
Seeking a job in Malaysia is challenging, especially now when the unemployment rate keeps increasing. However, this doesn’t mean that you should just apply for all job vacancies you see. Please don’t let desperation lead you into settling for any job, even for the one you dislike. Bear in mind that happiness is the key, which leads to less stress, and then brings positive impact to your career growth. So what do you need to do first? Simply read on and ask these questions to yourself before you start sending in your job application:
1) Does it challenge you to grow as a person?
Get some information about the role, team, organization, and the company. Do some research whether they seize opportunities for you to reach your dream and success in your career. Look at your skills if they meet the job qualifications because, without skills, you will find it hard for you to go ahead and move forward.
2) Does the job environment suit your personality?
Apparently, humans have unique personalities. It is important to understand that extroverts and introverts react differently with environments. Most extroverts feel comfortable to work in a crowded environment such as the busy cities of Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. Meanwhile, introverts prefer to do their job with fewer people around, so maybe searching for job vacancies in Ipoh or Taiping is a good idea. Which one is your specific personality? Extrovert or introvert? Take a personality test if you are not sure.
3) Does the job meet your work-life balance?
Your high income means nothing if the job doesn’t meet your work-life balance. Find out if the job offers flexible working hours. Do you have to work on weekends or until midnight? Do you have to travel most of the time? Will you still have free time for your hobbies or beloved family? You have to take all these into consideration as it will give effects to your life outside of work.
Someone once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”. Now all you have to do is to follow your heart and intuition. Start applying for the job you love and good luck!
by Caleb | Feb 20, 2017 | Education
As soon as you’re done with your SPM, you’re likely to be bombarded with questions like “what are you going to do with your life?” or “where will you be studying at?” Many people at your age haven’t figured out what they want to do with their lives, so you’re not alone. Take this time to enjoy your youth, and explore what you like to do as much as you can. If you’re still unsure of what you’re interested in, check out these five best reasons to choose a pre-university course:
- Improve your English If your English language skills need some brushing up, a pre-U course could be the perfect platform for you to polish your skills. Your college or university will have a different, more diverse environment which allows for better communication between your peers and faculty members and gives you the chance to converse in English. There’ll be people from all walks of life with different levels of English skills, so don’t hesitate to improve it. Unlike speaking English at your school, you won’t be mocked if you try to improve your language skills at your college or university.
- Have the flexibility to choose modules or subjects
Unlike high schools where everything is dictated by the authority, you’ll have more autonomy when you do a pre-U programme. Most pre-U programmes allow for flexibility when it comes to choosing the subjects or modules of your liking, and you also get to decide whether you want to attend classes held in the afternoon or evening. This is perfect if you hate waking up early in the morning!
- ‘Test-drive’ a particular course
Pre-U programmes require you to choose a pathway so you’ll be able to take specific subjects of your choice. However, you may discover that the course isn’t the right one for you during your programme, making it easier for you to transfer or switch courses. Doing so at a pre-U level is cheaper and less complicated compared to finding out what you don’t like during a degree course.
- Have the freedom to apply to any international university
Depending on your pre-U programme, you may be able to apply to any international university in countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand – the top countries most Malaysian students would choose to go to. If you aspire to study in a particular country, make sure your pre-U programme is based on the country’s learning methods.
- Get the grades needed
If you have some idea of what you want to do when you enter the workforce, you’ve probably figured out which degree course to take. However, you may not meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, and this is where a pre-U qualification comes in handy. It helps you to get the grades you need in order to pursue the degree course of your choice. It also helps you prepare for challenging subjects so you’ll get used to how demanding the course will be.
In addition to specific subjects such as communications, business, law, sciences, or accounting, all pre-U programmes include MQA subjects like Moral Studies and Malaysian Studies, and core subjects that include Maths and English. If all of this sounds awesome to you, you can . The minimum requirement to enter a pre-U programme is five credits in SPM, with passes in Maths, History, English, and Bahasa Malaysia. Certain pathways like accounting or science require you to meet the specific grade in related subjects.
by Caleb | Feb 8, 2017 | Business and Finance, Career and Education
Are you a woman interested in building a successful career in the construction industry, but worried if your gender would be a hindrance? In Malaysia, a good majority of women in the construction industry can often be found doing project management or administration, and many are also based on site. Whatever type of role you’re interested in, here are six simple ways you can be successful in the industry:
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Come across as focused and mature During the recruitment process, you must come across as focused and mature. Do some research not only about the job role, but the industry as a whole as well as the company that you’d like to work for (including finding out about what they do). Know what your goal is and don’t be afraid to let the hiring manager know should the opportunity arise. Knowing where you’re going and what you’re interested in indicates that you’re serious about being in the industry.
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Be proactive and take on new challenges Even if you’ve got all the necessary qualifications, you must always be proactive, especially when it comes to your career progression. See any skills that you can develop or incompetencies that you can fix. That said, don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. You can learn as you go when you’re doing something new. The most important thing is for you to have self-belief and be convincing that you’re the person for the project. Be open to new experience.
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Verify information It’s ok if you don’t know everything. If you receive queries from contractors and aren’t sure of what to tell them, politely reply that you’ll get back to them once you’re able to verify the information. Being honest about what you know and don’t know, and taking the responsibility of finding the solution or answer will earn you greater respect among the people you work with. It’s more important to be right and taking the time to do so, rather than give instant answers that turn out to be wrong and costly.
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Take charge You may find yourself being a leader in a project, which makes it crucial for you to take charge. A lot of female professionals in the industry admit feeling apprehensive at the start of their career when it comes to giving direction or supervising, particularly when they’re on site. Overcome this by doing the best you can and leveraging on your strengths.
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Speak up If something goes wrong, don’t be afraid to speak your mind. This will be the time where your communication and interpersonal skills play an important role in determining the success of the project you’re handling. Deal with people professionally and respectfully, without going too soft. Additionally, try not to second guess yourself too much when making a decision
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Know your own worth If you think you’ve worked hard and are good at your job after working for a while in the industry, you should ask for a raise when the right time comes. Look for a good opportunity and bring it up during an appraisal meeting.
In Malaysia, there’s a growing number of women joining the construction industry working on various types of roles. If you’re interested in building a career in the construction industry, check out the various construction jobs in Malaysia within your specialty and interest. Keep the six tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to a rewarding and successful career in construction.
by Caleb | Jan 28, 2017 | Career and Education
Any ambitious working individual – whether rank and file or corporate executive – works not only for the salary, but also for the opportunity to improve as a professional. While hard work, diligence, and dedication do pay off, becoming a better professional isn’t always that simple. There are some things that you just won’t learn on your own, and that’s why it’s important to take on whatever training programs are most beneficial to you. come in many different forms, but among the most sought after is project management training. Find out why this particular program stands out among the rest by reading its 6 career-boosting benefits here.
- Showcases Your Skills – At one point in your career, you will have to handle a project. If employers see that you have gone through project management training successfully, they’ll be more inclined to see you as the right candidate to oversee projects and plans they might have laid out for the company.
- Challenges Your Abilities – Because employers are unlikely to delegate projects to unprepared workers, having a project management training certificate under your belt will possibly land you countless projects in a year, especially if you’re the only employee in your company with such training. This will give you the opportunity to test your abilities and challenge your capacity to see how well you can provide positive outcomes in tough situations.
- Opens Job Opportunities – If you were thinking about applying for a different vacancy, showing on your resume that you have project management training will make you a more valuable asset to the companies you send your application to. Ultimately, it will enrich your resume and put you in a positive light for a lot of employers.
- Increases Your Salary – According to recent studies, individuals who held project management training certificates were given salary increases of up to 16% compared to non-certificate holders. For a small professional training investment, you can boost your salary for greater returns.
- Expands Your Network – When you are given projects to work on, you’re likely to have to work with other industry leaders and key individuals. By coordinating with them for your project, you can establish professional relationships with others in your niche to create a healthy network of contacts.
- Extends Your Reach – Project management training is a globally recognized certification, and so having it in your possession will open doors for your career not only locally, but also abroad.
When it comes to your career, only the best will do. Take on a project management training program today and watch just how it can help boost your career to greater heights.
