Reconnecting Roots Through International Recruitment

I began my career in international higher education after completing my master’s degree in international relations here at St. John’s University. I first discovered St. John’s while researching American graduate programs in Rome, Italy. At the time, the University offered master’s programs that could be completed entirely at our Rome campus. I had an incredible experience, fell in love with the city, and when an opportunity arose in 2007 as the Rome campus was expanding its undergraduate study abroad operations, I was hired as Assistant to the Dean.

My passion for international education began when I was in high school. I was best friends with all of the foreign exchange students, and after graduation, I traveled to visit them in their home countries. As an undergraduate at the University of Miami, I studied abroad in Monaco, an experience that changed my life and inspired my dream of living and working in Europe.

That dream became a reality when I joined St. John’s in Rome, where I spent 16 years supporting students and faculty. I was eventually promoted to Assistant Dean, overseeing our graduate program there while collaborating closely with colleagues in New York on admission, student services, and academic operations.

In 2023, I relocated to New York to join the Office of International Admission. My academic background in marketing and international relations, combined with my years of experience in Rome, prepared me well for a role focused on international recruitment and enrollment.

Today, I work closely with our director and team to support enrollment growth through application review, territory management, and relationship building with schools and counselors across Canada and Oceania. I travel to Canada three to four times per year visiting schools and attending fairs.

Recruiting in Canada is especially meaningful because it is my home country, and luckily, I do not have any language or cultural barriers. In Canada, education is largely provincial, so each of the 10 provinces has its own curriculum and grading scale. Students generally apply directly to a specific program or faculty.

I know I'm not simply competing against other US institutions; I'm competing against highly respected Canadian universities that are much less expensive. That means my conversations can't focus only on rankings or campus amenities. Instead, I concentrate on demonstrating the value of a US education and specifically, the different programs that make St. John's distinctive, emphasizing our location in New York City and its many internship and career opportunities.

Returning to Canada for recruitment has been an unexpected gift. It has allowed me to reconnect with my roots in Montreal. My parents and brother currently live there, along with my extended family. I get to immerse myself in the local French language and visit schools all around the city. I particularly love visiting in the fall when the foliage is at its peak! It’s the most beautiful time to be there in my opinion. It has also been great to discover parts of my home country I had never been to before. I have particularly enjoyed exploring Vancouver, with its stunning mountainous coastline and laid-back vibe.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team and to work for a University whose mission, values, and commitment to global education align so closely with my own.