Samira Kamboj
Student advisor specialising in psychology courses
Samira Kamboj is our specialist in psychology course advice at Open Universities Australia. As a student advisor, she helps people discover where psychology can lead and choose a path that feels right for their goals.
After returning to university as a mature-age student herself, Samira understands the difference education can make and is passionate about helping students from all backgrounds create new possibilities through study.
Samira would love to talk to you about:
Study planning
Preparing to begin your studies
Samira reveals how she found her own path through study
What did you study at university?
I studied a Bachelor of Psychology and, several years later, returned to university as a mature-age student to complete a Master of Guidance and Counselling.
What led you to start working for Open Universities Australia?
Education has always been an important part of my life. As a curious and eager learner, I experienced its transformative power firsthand when I returned to study as a mature-age student and completed a masters degree that enabled me to change careers.
Before moving into higher education, I worked in administration and customer service in the international airline industry. That experience taught me to listen closely, understand what people needed and recognise concerns they did not always express directly.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an opportunity arose with Open Universities Australia. I joined as an apprentice advisor before moving into my full-time student advisor role.
One of the subjects in my Master of Guidance and Counselling was career guidance and counselling. In retrospect, all the dots connect! I now get to help students from all walks of life achieve their goals through the power of education.
What's your favourite part about helping students?
It’s incredibly rewarding to support students throughout their study journey, from choosing their first subject or degree to completing their final one.
I especially enjoy the “aha” moment when someone says, “This is exactly what I was looking for.” Knowing I have helped them find the right path, encouraged them along the way and supported them towards their goals is what I value most.
Why are you passionate about helping students who are interested in studying psychology?
What I find so interesting about psychology is how relevant it is to everyday life and to so many different industries. It brings together an understanding of human behaviour with scientific insight, and it’s always evolving.
There are many reasons someone may choose to study psychology. It can support pathways towards specialised professions, while also helping students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis and scientific research.
Psychology can also strengthen emotional intelligence and provide knowledge that can be applied in areas like human resources, marketing strategy and behavioural change, making it relevant well beyond traditional psychology careers.
What books or podcasts would you recommend to someone interested in psychology?
These are some of the titles I’ve enjoyed over the years and think anyone curious about psychology might enjoy too:
Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman, who is widely regarded as the father of positive psychology
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which explores the concept of flow, or total immersion and deep focus
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth, which looks at the role of passion and long-term perseverance in achievement
Other favourites include Martin Seligman’s TED Talk on positive psychology, The Happiness Lab podcast with Dr Laurie Santos and The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman.
Blogs by Samira Kamboj
Psychology vs counselling: which should I study?
Weighing up psychology against counselling? Student advisor Samira Kamboj breaks down what sets these two paths apart, from training and registration through to the work you'll do in each career.
Psychology vs psychiatry: what’s the difference?
Trying to work out whether psychology or psychiatry is the right path for you? We break down what each profession actually involves, how the training differs, and how to figure out which one fits the future you're picturing.
How to find the best online psychology course for you in Australia
Choosing an online psychology course can feel like standing in front of a very crowded menu. Where do you even look first? We're here to help you narrow it down.
How to study psychology online in Australia
When you imagine yourself studying psychology online, do you have a strong picture in your head of what it would be like? We reveal exactly what you can expect with most universities.
Psychology degrees explained: understand your study options
Not all psychology qualifications lead to the same destination. Learn about the different degree options, what they cover, and where each one can take you.
Alternative pathways into a psychology degree
Discover the alternative pathways available if you don't yet meet requirements for a psychology degree, how they work, and how to choose the one that's right for you.
Entry requirements for psychology degrees explained
This guide will help you figure out if you're eligible to apply for a psychology degree. We explain the entry requirements across the main qualification types.
Psychology vs social work: which should I study?
Wondering whether you're better suited to psychology or social work? Let's unpack the biggest differences between the two careers, so you can picture where you might fit.