Alumni of the City University of New York Executive Master of Science in Organizational Psychology & HR

Mr Joshua Leong, is an Aventis alumni for MSc Industrial & Organizational Psychology, awarded by The CityUniversity New York. An organizational psychologist, Joshua has researched extensively in the area of training & Development and Service leadership.

The Executive Master of Science in Psychology (Industrial & Organizational) is built on multidisciplinary concepts drawn from psychology and human behavior, organizational
development, and education. Being a one year program, it is rather intensive with 10 modules. On average there is 1 module per month.

Joshua had to be very committed and adaptable with the flexible schedule that allowed him the combination of work, study and family balance. “I realised that I am responsible for my own learning, which served as a primary motivator. The challenge was to maintain the energy level throughout the entire program. This was greatly aided by the teamwork and camaraderie from my classmates. We were mentally prepared for the rigour of the course.

The modules were comprehensive and immersive. We were able to apply and transfer what we learn to our lives,” shared Joshua. Joshua’s favourite module was Statistics by Prof. Charles Scherbaum. He had a mental block as Statistics was his worst subject. Prof. Charles reassured the class that if they could add, minus, multiply and divide, they will be fine. Joshua also realised that since he had already paid for the module, he might as well do his best and he did enjoyed the module.

Joshua recalled an incident when his team had tight deadlines to meet and he failed to do his part
adequately due to work schedule. The closeness of his team allowed them to give him feedback directly after the project was completed. He spoke to the professor in charge of the program and admitted that he was not able to put in as much effort as the rest. His professor encouraged
him though his score was still penalised.

“Although it was very humbling to have that session with both my team and my professor, it did spur me to double my efforts in the next project, to win back their confidence in me. This served as my motivation in the projects thereafter,” said Joshua.

Two of the people that have inspired Joshua are Albert Einstein and Ms Hamimah. Einstein is constantly in the pursuit of knowledge. Ms Hamimah was Joshua’s Literature teacher in Nanyang Junior College. She went beyond what a teacher should be, finding time for her students regardless of which year they graduated. “Do what you believe in as long as it does not harm anyone else in its execution” was a quote from the late Ms Hamimah.

Joshua went to Nanyang Polytechnic to study digital media design. He was not good with his art yet he practiced and perfected the skills. “I see talent as the key to open the door. For those who lack the talent, it will take a longer time to achieve your goals. If we persevere, we will succeed.” Said Joshua.

As an Organizational Psychologist specializing in Learning, Joshua has been contributing back as an Aventis lecturer. He teaches Social Psychology in graduate diploma classes. Joshua’s training philosophy is that Learning must be interactive and fun yet effective. He incorporates the use of accelerated learning techniques which enhances the learner’s assimilation of knowledge. Joshua is currently working towards a Phd in Learning Psychology and spends much of his active time observing Human Behavior.