The Malaysian Medical Association highlights a growing mismatch between student career expectations and workplace realities, prompting a guidance conference.
PETALING JAYA: Many students are choosing careers based on perceptions rather than an understanding of real workplace realities, creating a growing mismatch between expectations and the demands of professional life, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said.
It said the issue has prompted it to organise its third Career Guidance Conference on Saturday and Sunday at M World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, aimed at helping secondary school students and parents make more informed decisions about future career paths.
The free programme is open to students aged between 15 and 19.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said one of the biggest gaps observed today is the disconnect between career expectations and professional realities.
“This conference is designed to bridge that gap by allowing students and parents to hear directly from professionals about what these careers truly involve, the challenges, the responsibilities and the long-term pathways,” he said.
He added that early exposure to authentic career insights could help students avoid costly missteps later, describing career selection as a major life decision requiring accurate information and direct engagement with professionals.
Organising chairman Dr Sivabala Selvaratnam said many students have limited exposure to career options beyond what they encounter online or through family and friends, stressing that parents remain key influencers in decision-making process.
“This platform allows families to learn together. By understanding academic requirements and workplace realities, parents could better support their children in making well-informed career decisions.”
The conference will feature talks and interactive question-and-answer sessions with professionals, alongside participation from universities and colleges providing information on academic pathways.
Participating organisations include the National Union of Journalists Malaysia, Malaysian Dental Association, Malaysian Institute of Accountants, National Union of the Teaching Profession, Malaysia Airlines Pilots Association, Malaysian Pharmacists Society, Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Malaysian Institution of Archiects and Data Science Association.
The conference is part of MMA’s annual corporate social responsibility initiative focusing on education and youth development.
Registration is free via the MMA website under the Career Guidance Conference page in the Events section. For more information, call 03-4041 1375 (ext 113 or 109) or email schomos@mma.org.my.