Belle Cheung

Class of 2012, B.A. in Psychology

Where have you worked and/or studied since you graduated from USC?

First, I earned my M.A. in Psychology at USC. Currently, I have been working as a Project Officer at The Open University of Hong Kong. My current job is to conduct projects that are under examination to enhance the quality of higher education and make strategies to meet pedagogical goals. I also provide support relating to meetings/seminars/conferences coordination, liaison and collaboration with external parties such as local and overseas institutions.

What was the most beneficial thing you did as a student at USC to prepare you for post-graduation?

I think the most beneficial thing I did was to start graduate level coursework early on. I think starting work at an early point always is beneficial to both the educator and learner, and has a profound impact on the student’s future. It is not mandatory to start independent research as an undergraduate, but the program at USC allows more flexibility for those who would like to achieve more and challenge themselves. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” After graduating from the program and my current job in the education field, I have decided that I want to go back to school and pursue a PhD.

What course did you enjoy the most?

While many psychology majors do not like to do math, I would like to say that I enjoyed my statistics and research methods classes the most, followed by developmental psychology and social psychology. Those research methods classes prepared me well for the job I am taking up now.

If you were an undergraduate again, is there anything that you would do differently?

If I were an undergraduate again, I would definitely like to double my major with neuroscience. That is another big area, which is closely related to psychology.

Have you won any awards, accolades, etc. after you graduated from USC?

There are certain requirements for psychologists or psychology people to join The Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) which is one of the most influential and well-known psychology organizations in the world, but with my Master’s degree and recommendation letters from my two mentors, Dr. Manis and Dr. Farver, I got elected as a graduate member after graduation. It can be viewed as an accolade.