Szu Chong
Centering mental health through technology
📍London, Ontario 🇨🇦
I am eager to draw on a decade of cross-sector experience to create holistic mental health programs that fit the needs of today's digital society.If my background and skills resonate, I'd love to connect!
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Professional Experience
10+ years in client facing and educational support roles
Experience volunteering on a mental health support line
6 years experience in business operations within technology startups in the UK
Relevant Experience
+ Volunteer Emotional Support Listener, Certified Listeners Society, Remote (Canada)
As a volunteer Emotional Support Listener, I provide compassionate, confidential support to individuals navigating emotional and personal challenges through real-time online chat. Using active listening and empathetic communication, I facilitate a safe space where people feel heard and understood. Working under supervision, I connect individuals with appropriate resources and referrals.
+ English Language Tutor, Freelance, Taichung (Taiwan)
Over 10 months as an English language tutor in Taichung, I worked with a range of learners - young children (ages 3-7) learning phonetics and writing, university students preparing for IELTS exams, and buddhist monks as well as migrant communities developing conversational skills. I build strong rapport with my students, adapting my teaching approach to meet varied learning styles and objectives.
+ Guest English Teacher, English Program in Korea (EPIK), Hongseong, Chungnam (South Korea)
As an English teacher for 12 months in three district public elementary schools in Hongseong, South Korea, I designed and delivered culturally responsive lessons for students aged 8-12, facilitating lesson plans to meet language proficiencies of students from small, rural communities. Working collaboratively with co-teachers, I created engaging, well-organized classroom environments that supported students' language development and fostered confidence in English.
+ Pupil Mentor City Year London, London (United Kingdom)
During my 12-month position as a Pupil Mentor with City Year London, I provided emotional and academic support to a Year 5 class of 21 pupils, working closely with the class teacher to create an inclusive learning environment. I also implemented support plans for three students with Special Educational Needs, and developed weekly after-school ESL classes.
This was my first experience within a learning support role, and it solidified my commitment to working with people, sparking my interest in creating inclusive spaces for people to grow and thrive.
This was my first experience within a learning support role, and it solidified my commitment to working with people, sparking my interest in creating inclusive spaces for people to grow and thrive.
Other Experience
+ Banking Generalist HSBC UK, Birkirkara (Malta)
For 14 months as a Banking Generalist at HSBC UK's contact center in Malta, I provided front-line customer service to UK-based and international clientele navigating a range of financial needs. I resolved disputes through careful investigation and mediation, balanced empathy with practical problem-solving, and guided individuals through digital banking solutions. I was also responsible for maintaining strict confidentiality protocols.
This role strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly in sensitive situations, and build trust with people during moments of stress and uncertainty.
This role strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly in sensitive situations, and build trust with people during moments of stress and uncertainty.
+ Head of Operations BuzzHire UK, London (United Kingdom)
As Head of Operations for BuzzHire, an on-demand technology platform connecting businesses with gig workers, I managed the operational backbone of a fast-paced platform handling 400+ daily shift placements. I developed and implemented processes to streamline service delivery, led comprehensive onboarding for both business clients and gig workers, as well as served as the primary point of contact for resolving complex issues ranging from disputes to technological access barriers.
This role demanded strong problem-solving under pressure, systems thinking, and the ability to balance competing priorities across multiple stakeholders; skills that strengthened my capacity to manage complexity and lead teams through operational challenges.
This role demanded strong problem-solving under pressure, systems thinking, and the ability to balance competing priorities across multiple stakeholders; skills that strengthened my capacity to manage complexity and lead teams through operational challenges.
+ Operations Manager BuzzHire UK, London (United Kingdom)
Prior to my role as Head of Operations, I was the Operations Manager at BuzzHire for 12 months. In this role, I managed day-to-day platform operations, coordinating staffing logistics and serving as a key point of contact for client and user concerns. I continuously identified opportunities for process improvement, proposing and implementing changes to enhance user experience and drive conversion.
This role developed my ability to analyze operational workflows, anticipate bottlenecks, and balance the needs of multiple user groups while maintaining service quality at scale.
This role developed my ability to analyze operational workflows, anticipate bottlenecks, and balance the needs of multiple user groups while maintaining service quality at scale.
+ Client Services Manager BuzzHire UK, London (United Kingdom)
I joined BuzzHire as a Client Services Manager, where I was instrumental in the company's early growth, onboarding new clients to the platform and drove revenue conversion through strategic relationship building. I worked closely with operations and tech teams to identify user needs and developed robust processes that supported the platform's expansion.
This role honed my ability to translate client feedback into actionable improvements, balance business development with user experience, and collaborate across departments to build scalable solutions.
This role honed my ability to translate client feedback into actionable improvements, balance business development with user experience, and collaborate across departments to build scalable solutions.
+ Customer Acquisitions Analyst Draper & Dash, London (United Kingdom)
As a Customer Acquisitions Analyst at Draper & Dash, I engaged directly with key decision makers in healthcare organizations to understand their operational needs. Serving as a bridge between clients and the software development team, I helped shape products that improved operational management within their healthcare organizations.
This role developed my ability to communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders while staying focused on delivering user-centered solutions.
This role developed my ability to communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders while staying focused on delivering user-centered solutions.
+ Client Services Execusive blur Group, London (United Kingdom)
As a Client Services Executive at blur Group for two years, I managed the end-to-end delivery of client procurement projects on a technology platform connecting businesses with creative freelancers and agencies such as designers, coders and marketers. I built and maintained relationships with diverse stakeholders across industries and geographies, ensuring projects were delivered to specification, while fostering trust.
This role introduced me to the complexities of managing stakeholder expectations, coordinating across internal teams, and delivering results in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
This role introduced me to the complexities of managing stakeholder expectations, coordinating across internal teams, and delivering results in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
+ Sales Advisor H&M, London (United Kingdom)
During my A-levels and university studies, I worked as a Sales Advisor at H&M, developing important customer service skills and learning to balance academic commitments with work responsibilities. This early experience taught me the value of reliability, teamwork, and maintaining quality work - lessons that have shaped my approach to every role since.
BACKGROUND
Background
My training in psychology and multilingual studies have given me an understanding of how language, culture, and psychological wellbeing intersect. This interdisciplinary foundation has informed my commitment to creating inclusive and culturally sensitive spaces where people feel supported.
Current
+Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health, Fanshawe College, London, Ontario (Canada)
Competencies in Progress: trauma-informed care, mental health assessment, addiction support strategies
Higher Education
+MSc Human Resource Management, King's College London, London (United Kingdom)
During the year-long program, I studied Strategic HRM, where I delved into Employee Relations. Here, I learned how to manage the "psychological contract" to maintain employee trust and discretionary effort amidst job insecurity that characterized the UK workforce around 2011.
Dissertation: The Contingent Workforce and the Evolving Psychological Contract: A Review of Employer Strategies to Capitalise on Flexibility and Mitigate Risks. Learn More
Dissertation: The Contingent Workforce and the Evolving Psychological Contract: A Review of Employer Strategies to Capitalise on Flexibility and Mitigate Risks. Learn More
My dissertation was a literature review exploring how perception of job insecurity will contribute to the rise of contingent workers, proposing opportunities and challenges organizations could face in managing stability in a flexible workforce.
+BSc (Hons) Psychology, Goldsmiths', University of London, London (United Kingdom)
In my three-year undergraduate degree, I learned the core pillars of Psychological Science, which provided an understanding of human behaviour and motivation.
Crucially, I gained extensive training in scientific research methods and statistics, enabling me to critically analyse data and evaluate evidence.
Dissertation: Birth Order and the Dark Personality Traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy).
Learn More
Crucially, I gained extensive training in scientific research methods and statistics, enabling me to critically analyse data and evaluate evidence.
Dissertation: Birth Order and the Dark Personality Traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy).
Learn More
My dissertation studied the link between birth order and personality traits. My statistical analysis showed that birth order alone is not a significant factor in shaping personality, which aligns with modern research. I proposed that future studies should explore how birth order interacts with factors such as parenting styles.
+GCE A-Levels, Langley Park School for Girls, Kent (United Kingdom)
My A-Levels in Economics, Psychology, and Philosophy equipped me with a broad range of skills for academic success. I developed critical thinking and ethical reasoning from Philosophy, while Economics sharpened my analytical skills for understanding resource allocation and market dynamics. Psychology provided the foundations in human behaviour I needed for my undergraduate studies, enabling me to secure the necessary grades for university admission.
Language Learning
+Québec Francization Program, Centre Yves Theriault, Montreal, Québec (Canada)
I spent eight months in Québec's full-time francization program learning French. I studied with classmates from many different countries and learned about Québec's history and culture.
+Intensive Mandarin Program, Mandarin Training Center @ National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei (Taiwan)
I completed a six-month Intensive Mandarin program at National Taiwan Normal University's Mandarin Training Center in Taipei, refining my language skills. I also participated in extracurricular activities including Taiwanese Hokkien classes, cooking workshops, and weekly Chinese philosophy sessions exploring Sun Tzu's Art of War. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to immerse myself in Taiwanese and Chinese culture.
+Chinese Language Program, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung (Taiwan)
I participated in the Chinese Language Program at National Chung Hsing University for 12 months, achieving a B1 level proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. I also engaged in the university's cultural exchange program, where I tutored English to undergraduate students.
SKILLS
Summary
I actively pursue continuing education and professional certifications to stay updated on the latest trends in mental health and technology. By prioritizing practical learning, I ensure my skills remain job-ready and aligned with best practices.
Skills in Mental Health
+ Standard First Aid Certificate (CPR / AED Level C), Canadian Red Cross, valid till October 2028
Obtained Standard First Aid (CPR) certification to support safety and respond confidently to medical emergencies in everyday settings.
+Introduction to Logic Models, Center for Public Health Continuing Education, State University of New York, Sept 2025
I completed this certificate to strengthen my ability to design measurable, outcomes-driven programs in public health and community health settings.
+Certificate in Trauma & Violence-Informed Care Foundations, Equip Health Care, Sept 2025
This certificate provided me with essential frameworks for recognizing and responding to trauma in care settings, emphasizing safety, trust, and empowerment in client interactions.
+Mental Health 101 Certificate, CAMH, July 2025
I pursued this certificate through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to reinforce my understanding of core mental health principles and contemporary approaches to care.
+Addiction 101 Certificate, CAMH, July 2025
I completed this certificate to strengthen my foundational knowledge of addiction, including its causes, impacts, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
+ Be There Certificate, Jack.Org, Sept 2024
I completed this certificate to learn practical skills for supporting friends and loved ones during crises and challenging times, emphasizing compassionate presence and active listening.
+ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a Global Context (Certificate of Completion), University of Glasgow, Feb 2022
I completed this certificate to understand PTSD through a global lens, exploring how trauma manifests and is treated across different cultural contexts and populations.
Other Skills
+ Google UX Design Certificate, Grow With Google, Nov 2024
I completed this certificate to develop user-centered design skills with the goal of creating accessible, intuitive mental wellness products. Understanding UX principles allows me to bridge my mental health expertise with thoughtful digital design, ensuring tools and platforms truly serve the needs of users navigating mental health.
+ Teaching Business English, TEFL.Org, July 2021
I completed this specialized certificate to expand my teaching expertise beyond general English, enabling me to work with advanced learners and professionals seeking business communication skills. This certification equipped me with strategies for teaching workplace English, from presentations to cross-cultural business communication.
+ TEFL certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL.Org, July 2016
I pursued this certificate to open doors to international teaching opportunities and experience living in different cultures. Teaching English has been both a practical career path and a rewarding way to expand my perspective.
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