Nathan Tong
Georgetown,Texas
Summary
Experienced with financial aid counseling, providing invaluable support to students and families. Utilizes strong communication skills to explain complex financial processes clearly and effectively. Knowledge of federal regulations and needs analysis, ensuring accurate and compliant financial aid distribution.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial Aid Counselor
Southwestern University
10.2023 - Current
- Improve the work flow of other offices on campus by evaluating office improvement reports in the Administrative Assessment Committee
- Generate detail oriented and accurate student financial aid packages with federal, state, and institutional funding
- Complete need analysis to maintain a manageable discount rate
- Guide and meet students/families through financial aid process
- Complete federally assigned verification of student records
- Manage and develop financial aid for students receiving educational Veterans benefits
- Assign and balance $400M+ of donor endowed scholarships
- Maintain office website for 1,000’s of annual visitors
- Create and run data reports to support university’s recruitment/retention initiatives
- Coordinate with other offices to streamline the financial aid and application process
- Author and give financial aid presentations to incoming and students and prospective families
Operations Assistant
Phillips Food Service, LLC
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Streamlined shipping-receiving process to facilitate vendor contracts
- Delivered accurate orders
- Developed and managed procedures for effective inventory control
- Coordinated with management to optimize day-to-day business operations
Customer Service Representative
EZ’s Brick Oven & Grill
05.2017 - 10.2023
- Managed floor for optimal guest experience
- Trained staff for peak efficiency
- Opened/closed restaurant per industry standards
- Ensured high-quality product
- Provided superior customer service
- Increased revenue through suggestive selling
Private Tutor
Self-employed
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Mentored and coached UTSA undergraduate students in Physics I & II, Calculus III, and Differential Equations
Research Assistant
Southwestern University Physics Department
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Assisted Physics Department Head with alternative energy research
- Used SolidWorks to model and optimize a magnetic 5kW generator engineered to convert wind energy, wave power, and sound waves into electricity
Technology Consultant
Southwestern University Library Help Desk
08.2018 - 05.2021
- Provided IT support for students and staff via Help Desk
- Troubleshooted/resolved technology issues
- Assisted with research/resource navigation
- Maintained database (WorldShare), inventoried collection, tagged/shelved resources
Engineering Intern
StandardAero
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Developed regulatory maintenance and quality assurance protocol for components of the RB211 Jet Engine using Rolls Royce Engine Manuals
- Shadowed professional aerospace engineers
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Physics, Minor in Mathematics
Southwestern University
Georgetown, Texas05-2021
Skills
- Data Analytics (see above),
- Research, and Technical Writing
- Quality Assurance
- Customer Service
- Entrinsik Informer, Ellucian Colleague ERP System, Slate, SoftDocs
- SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Carrara (3D graphics), 3D Printing
- IT Help Desk
- Data Entry, SQL, Python, Tableau, Java, Slack, Looker
- Microsoft Office Suite
- OCLC WorldShare
Certification
- DP-900 Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (#614415-72783B) – Mastery of SQL & core data concepts
- Data Analytics Certificate – Springboard School of Data Analytics (400+ hours) Project-based structured thinking, hypothesis-driven problem solving, data visualization, coding proficiency, synthetization of business insights from data & superior presentation skills Tech Stack: SQL, Python, Tableau, Slack, Looker, Microsoft 365
- AB-730 Microsoft AI Business Professional(Expected Dec 2026)– Adept in generative AI productivity tools and Microsoft 365 apps to enhance business outcomes and decision-making
Timeline
Financial Aid Counselor
Southwestern University
10.2023 - Current
Operations Assistant
Phillips Food Service, LLC
08.2023 - 10.2023
Private Tutor
Self-employed
08.2021 - 08.2023
Research Assistant
Southwestern University Physics Department
05.2021 - 08.2021
Engineering Intern
StandardAero
06.2019 - 08.2019
Technology Consultant
Southwestern University Library Help Desk
08.2018 - 05.2021
Customer Service Representative
EZ’s Brick Oven & Grill
05.2017 - 10.2023
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Physics, Minor in Mathematics
Southwestern University
RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Capstone Research Project: Spring 2021 – “Linear Power Generation: The TAC Generator Legacy Project" Research – Converted sound waves into electricity using SolidWorks to model and optimize a magnetic 5kW generator
- San Antonio Ambassador: Summer 2019 – Peer-to-Peer Networking Workshops Professional development – participated in sessions to build interpersonal connections and professional networks
- Contributor: Spring 2019 – Southwestern University Research & Creative Works Symposium Innovative engineering – engineered solar-powered bicycle prototype and showcased for SU and Georgetown communities
LEADERSHIP ROLES & ORGANIZATIONS
- Pirate Host: Fall 2017 – Spring 2018 – Southwestern University Student Recruitment Office Fall Hosted prospective students overnight, offered mentorship, and promoted the Pirate culture
- Secretary: Spring 2021 – Southwestern University Robotics Club Fall 2018
- S.U: Fall 2017 – Spring 2021 – Physics Club, Computer Science Club, Intramural Volleyball & Basketball
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Community Engaged Learning Project (CELP), Classroom Partner: 03/2020-06/2020 Tutored English language learning 1st graders in need of academic support at Village Elementary School
- San Antonio Food Bank, Volunteer: 06/2019 - 09/2019 Organized grocery items and prepared gift boxes for the “Fight Hunger-Feed Hope” food drive