Introduction
Hi! You can call me Lidya or Tiki! I was born and raised in Indonesia but I also consider Singapore and Australia as my home! After earning my bachelor degree of English Literature in Indonesia, I worked in a company that makes big-name clothing brands as an import purchasing staff. A year later, I worked in Singapore and Australia for total of 15 years. My work involved leading teams, globetrotting in 20 different countries helping build community in less fortunate and remote places before I nestled in Chicago, IL. I gained experiences and lessons from the 15 years of experience with various people groups. I grew to become more curious about understanding the human mind and behavior. Covid era has kickstarted more challenges when it comes to working with people. Many are facing difficulties adjusting to new norms in different areas, including work environments. There is an increasing need for people-related skills for those in leadership/team leading positions, and/or any posit ion involving interpersonal skills. Furthermore, mental health and cultural appropriation are significant factors to learn and consider, especially in a culturally diverse work environment. My journey coming to study in the US was inseparable from people’s contribution. I received helping hands from people around the globe who believe in my passion for people. I chose to be in the Psychology field because I believe that there is more to learn about people and how we impact each other’s lives. I am currently working as a licensed clinical mental health therapist/counselor, where I get to interact with many people. I feel privileged to be able to take part in helping individuals discover and develop necessary tools, characters, and skills to improve quality of life. I cannot wait to continue to explore people-related skills.
Psychology Fellow
career options
If you like working or desire to work with people, the psychology field and leadership skills offer wide varieties of work opportunities, such as:
Psychology Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Interview/screen individuals, couples, or families to ascertain their overall functioning psychologically and socially. I use this skill whenever I meet someone for the first time. It helps bring understanding of the person’s functioning.
Understanding of individual’s life experiences and how it impacts their functioning.This skill helps in making space for understanding and empathy.
Capacity to be aware of, control, and express emotional and behavioral responses in interpersonal context judiciously and empathetically.I learn to understand when, what, how to or not to respond.
Various techniques utilized to provide treatment or care to improve individuals’ quality of life. Examples: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, etc.Usefull skill to understand and improve someone’s functioning.
The ability to engage, respond, care effectively and respectfully with individual(s) who are culturally different from oneself. Provide space to value differences and recognize strength and limitation in others or team members.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
The ability to accurately convey a message to another person or group.
The ability to identify a problem, determine the cause of a problem, and implement a solution to the problem.
The ability to prioritize tasks, manage workloads, and meet project deadlines by efficiently allocating time to various development tasks and responsibilities.
The capacity to exercise influence effectively with the purpose of empowering others to move toward a goal.
Lidya
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Psychology Fellow
:
Job search can be daunting as it hits the desire to perform. I was trying to match what the money tells me to be, or who/what the company is looking for. After applying to a few different companies, I reminded myself that I cannot offer what I do not have. It also means that I need to know what I want in a company. The next thing I took into consideration is whether the company has the interest to value my performance and how I can improve my skills. With all these in mind, it took time to find what I wanted. It can be scary to communicate expectations when it seems like we need the job. Remember that the company also needs you and your expertise. Know your value and worth, take your time to consider the offer. I’m glad I took my time. I am currently working in a company that values their employees’ performance and well-being. It makes going to work more bearable!
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
STUDYING vs LEARNING. Studying has an expiration date, learning is a lifetime process. Studying doesn’t guarantee success, learning leads to paths of success. Studying can be informative & performative, learning is transformative. In the end, I graduated school, and I’m still learning new ways to empower people. As I do my job effectively, I become a better person.
Final thoughts & tips
There are no cookie-cutter templates when it comes to people. Listening is one of the most effective tools to work with individuals. It will provide you the map to their life. Everyone has a story, lead with a heart of a learner.
Resources to dig in more
People skills career paths
More information about career options for those pursuing people-related skills.
Psychology Degree
What can you do with Psychology degree?
Mentally healthy workplace by Department of Labor
It is encouraged to usher mentally healthy workplace to promote employee’s wellbeing.
Cultural Diversity in Workplace
Provides an overview of the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace, highlighting its benefits, current statistics, and offering tips and resources for creating an inclusive work environment.
Workplace well-being by American Psychological Association
A 2023 survey on well-being in the workplace.
