A launchpad for every NTU student’s career journey
With the generous support of philanthropist Mrs Margaret Lien, NTU’s career modules and new Career Hub empower students with the skills and guidance to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Text: Sadia Roohi
Third-year NTU Psychology student Clarisse Leong has always been curious to figure out her career path. Taking the career module classes offered by Margaret Lien Centre for Professional Success, she gained clarity on her career direction.
“I have been exploring a career in research, clinical psychology, and neuroscience, with a strong interest in mental health care. The module taught me to reflect on my core values such as empathy, accessibility, and human-centred care,” she said. “This introspection shaped how I approached my internship where I supported mental health outreach for seniors and youth.”
She excelled in her internship at TOUCH Community Services and was awarded the Jek Yuen Thong Community Development Fund (Internship) Award in June 2025.
Student Clarisse Leong (back row, 4th from left), with members from CREST Sembawang and CREST Ang Mo Kio, which are dedicated community mental health outreach teams.
Such experiences are made possible by the generosity of philanthropist Mrs Margaret Lien, whose gift contributed to the establishment of the Margaret Lien Centre for Professional Success in 2013.
Over the past decade, the centre has prepared more than 70,000 students to thrive in the workplace, through modules that build career-ready skills and connect students directly with industry professionals.
In August 2025, a new Career Hub was established at the centre, adding a new dimension to student career guidance.
Officially opened by Mrs Margaret Lien, NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua and NTU Senior Vice-President (Administration) Ms Tan Aik Na, the space is designed to host career workshops, recruitment talks, mentorship programmes and industry networking events for NTU students.
The new Career Hub was officially opened by Mrs Margaret Lien (centre), NTU President Prof Ho Teck Hua (left) and NTU Vice President (Administration) Ms Tan Aik Na.
Ms Tan expressed the University’s appreciation to Mrs Lien for her generosity and strong support towards the establishment of the centre, and to the set-up of the new Career Hub.
“Mrs Lien is a passionate supporter of student development. Her philanthropic contributions go a long way to improving learning and employment outcomes for our students,” added Ms Tan.
Since the soft opening of the Career Hub in January, it has already hosted case competitions, hackathons, and industry sharing sessions.
“With the job market becoming more competitive, some students may feel anxious,” Clarisse said. “The Career Hub can help us get started early as we try out new skills through workshops and competitions, and network with industry professionals to prepare for our future careers.”
From this academic year, NTU will be the first Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore to enable every student to take part in personalised Small Group Coaching Clinics, ensuring that all graduates leave with the skills and confidence to stand out.
The Career Hub provides a dedicated space for career-related programmes.
