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As her fingertips shifted from the smooth sheen of her scholarship notification letter to the subtly textured project timeline spread across her office desk, Ellison Pong quietly marked a profound transition – from university halls to the corridors of a corporate workplace. A two-time recipient of Link University Scholarship from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, she has now taken her first professional steps as an intern, tracing a transformative path from scholarship beneficiary to active contributor.
Reflecting on her initial application, Ellison recalls being struck by Link’s values. “The selection criteria prioritised community service and civic engagement. It was clear that Link wanted to nurture students who not only excel academically but also care deeply about society.” This ethos resonated strongly with her, prompting her to engage actively in scholarship activities. Ellison is now a team leader on the Link Scholars Alumni Committee – a notable progression from her earlier role as a design team member. “This leadership role has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone,” she says. “It’s helped me boost my confidence and learn to communicate and coordinate across diverse teams.”
Ellison’s journey came full circle this summer as she joined Link as an intern, working in the corporate social responsibility team. Here, she supports community-focused projects, many of which are developed in partnership with NGOs. It has been a powerful experience: “After two years of benefiting from the scholarship, it feels right to give back by applying what I’ve learnt,” she says.
Adjusting to the pace and structure of the workplace has come with its own learning curve. “At university, everything centres around lectures and deadlines. In the workplace, you need to understand operations, engage with different departments and manage expectations,” Ellison notes. “These are vital lessons no textbook can teach.”
As part of her internship, Ellison is involved in Link Together Initiatives, where she assists in sorting and summarising proposals from NGOs. Many of these proposals aim to support marginalised and underrepresented communities – an experience that has been profoundly eye-opening. “I hadn’t realised just how many people are deeply committed to tackling social issues,” she reflects.
Evaluating the proposals requires detailed research into the missions and track records of various NGOs. “Previously, I only had a superficial understanding of NGOs. Now, I see how they act as the safety net of our society, offering vital support to those most in need.”
Ellison’s initial insight into Link’s corporate social responsibility came through her scholarship experience. However, her time as an intern has deepened that understanding considerably. “Through conversations with colleagues, I came to realise that Link’s work goes far beyond asset management,” she explains. “The company is also engaged in investment, digital transformation and a wide range of sustainability efforts.” This broadened perspective has reinforced her admiration for Link’s quiet but consistent commitment to responsible business practices. “It’s not just about ticking boxes for ESG,” she adds. “It’s about embedding values into every aspect of what they do.”
Beyond professional learning, Ellison was struck by the workplace culture at Link’s headquarters. “There’s a pool table, a foosball table – even retro arcade games! I never imagined a company would invest so much in employee well-being,” she says. This unexpected blend of playfulness and professionalism gave her new insight into corporate culture. The warm, supportive environment created by the staff also made it clear that authentic corporate values aren’t just stated – they are lived every day.
Ellison’s internship experience has not only broadened her professional horizons but has also reshaped her outlook on the future. She was once a psychology major firmly set on pursuing an extended academic path, but she now sees her journey in a different light. “I used to shy away from the corporate world,” she says. “But this internship showed me that passion can also be found in the workplace. Perhaps I don’t need to follow a single, decade-long academic route. I now see a wider world of possibility.”
Having progressed from scholarship recipient to corporate intern, Ellison has seized every opportunity for personal and professional growth. Her commitment to serving the community remains a central tenet of her development. The values instilled through her scholarship journey and reinforced during her internship are certain to guide her as she navigates the next stages of her path with both purpose and conviction.
