Top 10 Films to Inspire Your Career Choice & Recommended Universities

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Feeling stuck, overwhelmed and tired of reading and researching on career choices?

Well, movies are known to be a great form of not only entertainment but also education. It’s time for you to take a break, grab some popcorn and watch these inspirational and raw movies that will not only uplift your mood, change your perspective but also ignite the spark in you that might help you get inspired in choosing a suitable career path. 

DISCLAIMER : There may be spoilers. Proceed with caution. 

For the engineer in you :

1. 3 Idiots

3 Idiots is a well-known coming-of-age comedy movie starring Amir Khan, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor. This 2009 hit film tells a story about the ups and downs of friendship, life and mental health of three students at an Indian engineering college. This movie discusses many issues that many youths face in their day to day lives all with a valuable lesson at the end. Watch it for impactful life lessons shared by the characters throughout the movie with the most important one – “Study to be accomplished and not affluent”. 

2. The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything is a biographical romantic drama film that details the life influential physicist Stephen Hawking. Set in the 1960’s, this story follows Stephen Hawking as he falls in love with his colleague while being a Cambridge student. At 21, he then learns that he has a motor neuron disease that crushes his spirit. However, he then begins a study of time where we follow as both Stephen and his love interest defy odds against the world and make tremendous discovery in the fields of both medicine and science.

Basic Requirement for Engineering Course In Malaysia

STPM 

CGPA 2.00 including Mathematics and Physics/ Chemistry

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA 2.00

A-Levels

Minimum grade range of BBB including Mathematics and Physics / Chemistry

UEC

Grade B in 5 subjects including Mathematics & Physics

Diploma

Minimum CGPA 2.00

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Minimum of 30 points ( including Mathematics and Physics)

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further enquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION

Recommended University for Engineering Degree

University of Nottingham Malaysia

Photo Credit : University of Nottingham

Engineering Programs Offered:

a) Bachelor of Chemical Engineering

Focuses on areas such as commodity and specialty chemicals, fertilisers, food processing, fuels and energy production, minerals processing, petrochemicals, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals or water treatment.

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer 
  2. Biochemical Engineering 
  3. Separation & Particle Technology 
  4. Process Design & Control 
  5. Chemical & Phase Equilibrium 

Intake 

February and September 

Duration 

3 years (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

RM 48,900 (Malaysian)

RM 57,000 (Non-Malaysian) 

Examples of career prospects : 

  1. Environmental and Healthcare Engineer 
  2. Biotechnologist 
  3. Food Scientist 
  4. Manufacturing Production Technician 
  5. Chemical Plant and System Operator 

b) Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Focuses on areas require numerate, problem-solving graduates, perfectly prepared to find employment across specialties including structural design, construction, geotechnical, water resources, transportation,and urban planning.

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Geotechnies 
  2. Structural Analysis 
  3. Steel Design Projects 
  4. Fundamentals of Materials 
  5. Applied Construction Project Management 

Intake 

September 

Duration 

3 years

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

RM 48,950 (Malaysian)

RM 59,300  (Non-Malaysian) 

 

Examples of career prospects : 

  1. Engineering Project Manager 
  2. Civil Engineer 
  3. Architect 
  4. Infrastructure engineer
  5. Geotechnical engineer 

c) Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Focuses on areas such as communications, computer modelling, electrical machines, electronic design, instrumentation, microelectronics, power generation and distribution, signal processing, software engineering and renewable energy systems.

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Information and Systems 
  2. Digital Communications 
  3. Power Networks 
  4. Robotics, Dynamics & Control
  5. Systems Engineering 

Intake 

September 

Duration 

3 years (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

RM 48,950 (Malaysian)

RM 59,300  (Non-Malaysian) 


Examples of career prospect : 

  1. Design engineer 
  2. Broadcast engineer 
  3. Sound engineer 
  4. Special effects technician 
  5. CAD technician 

d) Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Focuses on areas of study real-world engineering, the importance of communication, team working skills, entrepreneurship initiatives, an emphasis for environmental sustainability, a mind-set for lifelong learning, appropriate management principles and business acumen. 

 

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Materials in Design 
  2. Materials and Manufacturing 
  3. Programming, Professional and Laboratory Skills 
  4. Introduction to Aerospace Technology 
  5. Introduction to Automotive Technology

Intake 

September 

Duration 

3 years (Full time) 

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

RM 48,900 (Malaysian)

RM 57,000 (Non-Malaysian) 

Examples of career prospects : 

  1. Biomedical engineer
  2. Entrepreneur
  3. Manufacturing engineer
  4. Aerospace engineer
  5. Automotive engineer 



For the journalist in you :

1. Spotlight

Photo Credit : The Atlantic

Spotlight is an American biographical drama film that follows the story of a operating newspaper in the United States and it’s investigation into cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse happening by numerous Roman Catholic priests. The assigned team of journalists investigates allegations of a priest molesting more than 80 boys. Watch as they in interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents as they make it their mission to proof the act of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic church. If you’re passionate about writing especially on topics that can make a difference, this movie does a tremendous job at making investigative journalism thrilling. 

2. The Post

Photo Credit: Variety

Starring the iconic duo Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, The Post is an 2017 American historical political thriller film that is set in the 1970’s. Based on a true story, the film plays the attempts of a group of journalists at the Washington Post to publish the infamous Pentagon Paper, classified documents of the 20-year involvement of the United States government in the Vietnam War. The lead character, who also happens to be the country’s first female newspaper publisher,  and her editor race to expose the massive cover up that has over 3 decades and 4 U.S presidents secrets. Watch as they face tremendous challenges and risk their careers all at the faith of an unprecedented battle between the press and government. 

Basic Requirement for Journalism Courses in Malaysia

STPM 

Minimum of 5 credits (CGPA 2.00)

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA 2.00

A-Levels

Minimum grade range 2E’S OR 3D’S

UEC

Grade B in 5 subjects

Diploma 

Pass with min. CGPA of 2.00

Candian Pre-U 

Minimum average of 60%

Australian Matriculation 

Minimum ATAR of 60 

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen. 

For further enquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION

Recommended University for Journalism Degree in Malaysia

University of Wollongong Malaysia

Photo Credit : UOW Malaysia

Bachelor of Communications (Hons), Major in Journalism & Broadcasting

Focuses on giving students the opportunity to develop and enhance presentation, critical thinking, planning and management skills, through a variety of projects, events and campaigns, both in and out of the classroom

 

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Writing and Referencing 
  2. Principles of Journalism 
  3. Communication Law 
  4. Print and Broadcast Journalism 
  5. Broadcast Media Production

Intake 

January, March, May, July, September & October

Duration 

3 years (Full time) 

Indicative Fees (2021)

RM 71, 025 (Malaysian)

RM 83,400 (Non-Malaysian) 

Examples of career prospects : 

  1. Content marketer
  2. Copywriter
  3. Reporter
  4. Magazine journalist 
  5. Editorial assistant 

For the psychologist in you :

1. Girl Interrupted

Starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, Girl Interrupted is a 1999 American psychological drama film based on a memoir where the film follows a young woman who struggles with the uncertainty of her own mental illness. Set in the 1960’s where mental illness is a highly taboo topic – The protagonist of the film admits herself into a psychiatric institution after getting persuaded by her parents, tand is later diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. This film takes an interesting plot as it argues that perfectly sane people become institutionalized simply because once they’re inside the system, it is assumed that something HAS to be wrong. 

2. Split

One of my personal favourites – SPLIT follows a storyline of how a man with 24 different personalities otherwise known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) kidnaps and imprisons three teenage girls in an isolated underground facility. The protagonist of the film had identified 23 distinct personalities by his therapist that were formed due to childhood abuse and abandonment, each possessing their own set of peculiarities. This film is definitely one of those films that leave you at the edge of your seat with your mouth wide open as James McAvoy does a brilliant job in playing the different personalities that makes you believe you’re watching 24 different individuals. 

Basic Requirements for Psychology Courses in Malaysia

 

STPM 

Minimum of 5 credits (CGPA 2.00)

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA 2.00

A-Levels

Minimum grade range 2E’S 

UEC

Grade B in 5 subjects

Diploma 

Pass with min. CGPA of 2.00

Australian Matriculation 

Minimum ATAR of 80

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further enquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION

 

Recommended University for Psychology Degree in Malaysia

HELP University

Photo Credit : HELP University

Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)

 

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Abnormal Psychology 
  2. Social Psychology 
  3. Understanding & Managing Emotion 
  4. Gender Studies
  5. Forensic Psychology 

Intake 

January, May & August 

Duration 

3 years (Full time) 

Indicative Fees (2021)

RM 73,700 

Examples of career prospects : 

  1. Career Counsellor 
  2. Counselling Psychologist 
  3. Educational Psychologist
  4. Educational Psychology 
  5. Social Work Assistant 

For the lawyer in you :

1. 13th

Photo Credit : Netflix

This powerful American documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay thoroughly explores the prison system and how it is used as a weapon against minorities. This film was titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution which abolished slavery and ended involuntary servitude. This documentary shines light on the harsh reality as it explores the raw demonization of minorities for decades to serve political ends, fear of minorities by white and the act of police brutality against minorities. Just a disclaimer though, this film previcts provocative and heartbreakingly real stories so be sure you are mature enough to handle it. 

2. The Trial of the Chicago 7

If you’ve been keeping up with pop culture, you MUST have heard of this film and it’s impact as a conversation starter. The Trial of the Chicago 7 follows the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protestors charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots. The trial transfixed the nation and sparked a conversation about mayhem intended to undermine the U.S. government. Watch as this suspenseful and intense film as it shows alot of the political system of U.S 50 years ago and now. 

Basic Requirements for Law Courses in Malaysia

STPM 

Minimum of 2C’s

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA 2.00

A-Levels

Minimum grade range 2E’S 

UEC

Grade B in 5 subjects

Diploma 

Pass with min. CGPA of 2.00

Australian Matriculation 

Minimum ATAR of 50

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further enquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION 

Recommended University for Law Degree in Malaysia

Taylor's University Lakeside Campus

Photo Credit : Taylor's University

Bachelor of Law

This degree focuses on in-depth understanding and appreciation of legal doctrines and concepts in the various areas of law. It uses a combination of theoretical studies and practical exposure in the industry, students will be taught how to apply these into a variety of factual situations.

 

Examples of subjects offered 

  1. Contract Law 
  2. Constitutional & Administrative Law 
  3. Company Law 
  4. Equity and Trust 
  5. Law of Tort 

Intake 

January, March & August 

Duration 

3 years (Full time)

Indicative Fees (2021)

RM 104,522 (Malaysian)

RM 125,136 (Non-Malaysian)

Examples of career prospects : 

  1. Lawyer
  2. Litigation Lawyer
  3. Conveyancing Lawyer
  4. In-House Legal Counsel 
  5. Public Prosecutor 

For the business savvy in you :

1. Pursuit of Happyness

YES. A CLASSIC. This uplighting drama is definitely one of those movies that leaves you inspired with many life lessons to adapt into your daily life. Starred by Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith, Pursuit of Happyness is definitely a must watch movie of the early 2000’s based on a biography where it follows a story of a homeless salesman and his son as they endure life struggles and challenges in the journey to becoming a successful businessman. This film teaches us to never give up and to work hard when we want or need something as hard work always pays off. 

2. Moneyball

Moving on with our streak of classic films AND classic actors, Moneyball is a 2011 biographical sports drama film starred by none-other than Brad Pitt where the lead character and assistant general manager of a baseball team is faced with the franchise’s limited budget for players, build a team of undervalued players by taking a sophisticated sabermatic approach in scouting and analyzing players for the team. This film accurately describes the ‘status quo’ of professional baseball with a splash of a business aspect where an ambitious statistical analysis strategy is being used. 

Basic Requirements for Business Courses in Malaysia

STPM 

Minimum of 3B’s

Foundation/ Matriculation

Pass with a minimum CGPA 3.3

A-Levels

Minimum grade range 2B’S 

UEC

2A 3B

Diploma 

Pass with min. CGPA of 3.3 

*Requirements may vary depending on the university that you’ve chosen.

For further enquiries, contact EXCEL EDUCATION

Recommended University for Business Degree in Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia

Photo Credit : Monash University

Bachelor of Business and Commerce

Majors to choose from 

Majors to choose from : 

  • Accountancy
  • Applied economics
  • Banking and financial management
  • Business analytics
  • Business law and taxation
  • Econometrics and business statistics
  • International business management
  • Management
  • Strategic marketing

Intake 

February, July and October

Duration 

3 years (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

Malaysian -RM38,213 per year

Non-Malaysian – RM43,680 per year

Examples of career prospects, varying based on your major  : 

  1. Business advisor 
  2. Human resource manager
  3. Market research analyst 
  4. Accountant
  5. Operations associate 

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About the Author

Raveena Rakni Suresh Raj 
Leo baby & a psych major
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