Why Anna Xu chose psychology over business

An interest that began with a book

My interest in psychology started in lower secondary school, when I read Flowers for Algernon. The changes in the main character fascinated me. I began reading about Adler, Jung and Freud, although at that point I had not thought seriously about studying the subject at university.

Later, my parents hoped I would choose business. I took part in business competitions, but I kept coming back to the same question: what did I actually enjoy? A teacher at school recommended T.School. The chance to learn from people working in psychology, and to try practical activities, seemed like a useful way to find out more.

More work than I expected

I had imagined listening to talks and visiting campuses. The days turned out to be much fuller, with classes, discussions and tasks from morning to evening. It was tiring, but I liked having so much to get involved in.

In one class, we each had to explain a psychological theory to the group. Mine was the Pygmalion effect, which concerns how expectations can influence performance. I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. Having to explain it myself is probably why I still remember it.

I also stayed behind after a class on choosing a degree and spoke to the tutor as we walked. He suggested thinking about what I was already good at and wanted to develop, rather than only trying to fix weaknesses. That conversation helped me take my interest in psychology seriously.

“I did not want to choose business just because it seemed easier to find a job. I wanted to study something I really liked.”

Anna Xu

Learning to work with people

One of my favourite experiences was the visit to a care home. We prepared performances and spent time talking to the residents. I enjoyed hearing their stories and felt very comfortable with them.

With people my own age, I was quieter. At first I tended to sit and listen on my own. Gradually, other students came over to talk. We kept in touch afterwards, and towards the end of the programme some of us organised a small picture-card sharing session, taking turns to talk about what came to mind.

Working on a group report was harder. People arrived with very different levels of knowledge and different ideas about what to study. Choosing the topic took time. I had to learn to explain my own view and work with other people’s suggestions. That experience made university group assignments feel more familiar later on.

What interests me now

I am studying psychology at Monash University in Australia. At the time of this interview, my plan is to continue towards a master’s degree and a PhD, and work in research.

What attracts me is the process of staying with a question: designing an experiment, collecting information and considering whether the evidence supports an idea. I like the possibility of finding that an assumption needs to change.

The summer school gave me an early introduction to that process. It made research feel less unfamiliar. I could begin to picture what someone actually does when they investigate a psychological question.

Keeping a plan open

I also know that plans can change. I have met people who studied one subject and went on to work in another. For now, research is what interests me, so I want to give it a proper try and keep learning.

If you are wondering whether to study psychology, I would suggest finding out what the subject involves. Read, try university talks or open lectures, and use opportunities to experience it for yourself.

You do not have to settle the rest of your life in one decision. It helps to stay curious and keep moving towards the things you want to understand.