--- title: How I transformed my career with a Doctor of Psychology description: Explore Malkie Hematillake's transformative journey from astronomy to psychology at Mount Saint Mary's University. image: https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/thumbnail_Image.jpeg --- [![Logo MSMU](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU")](https://www.msmu.edu/) - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [Request Info](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/request-info/?utm_source=ddexplore) Menu - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb) Search [Home](https://www.google.com/) / [Home](https://www.google.com/) / [Home](https://www.google.com/) #### Resources for professionals exploring their education options. Unstoppable Stories WHAT **2 Hour Online Sessions** null [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609) # How I transformed my career with a Doctor of Psychology ![Malkie Hematillake](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/thumbnail_Image.jpeg) ## Meet Mount Psychology student, Malkie: ### Name: Malkie Hematillake ### Age: 25 years old ### Location: Long Beach, CA ### Education: - Undergrad: University of Kansas, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Graduate School: California State University, Long Beach, Master of Arts in psychological research ## When did you first get interested in the field of Psychology? I originally majored in astronomy and physics, but I switched to psychology in my sophomore year. I took a psychology class in undergrad, and I loved it. After taking the course, I joined a psychology research lab. I realized I loved psychology research, and I switched my major soon afterwards. ## Why did you choose to obtain the Doctor of Psychology at Mount Saint Mary's University? I was drawn to Mount Saint Mary’s University’s commitment to inclusiveness, and I liked the program’s emphasis on studying various perspectives. The Mount’s program has provided me with both the necessary theoretical foundation and the clinical training necessary to reach my career goals. ## If you had one piece of advice for a prospective student of one of the Mount's Graduate psychology programs, what would it be? Take some time to reflect on your research interests and clinical interests before starting the program. 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