Sean Severson
Glen Carbon,Illinois
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive expertise in student recruitment at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Secured over 100% increase in international student enrollment through strategic relationship building, collaboration, and organizational acumen. Dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for diverse student populations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate & International Program/Student Advisor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville , Illinois
01.2019 - Current
- Travel domestically and internationally to recruit graduate and international students.
- Manage applications for international exchange students, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Serve as the primary contact for exchange partner institutions and over 15 overseas agencies.
- Conduct training sessions for agents, both overseas and virtually, to ensure quality standards.
- Develop strong relationships with partners and agents in China, India, and Nepal through targeted travel.
- Plan recruitment travel strategically to maximize the budget while achieving enrollment goals.
- Collect and organize data for internal departmental analysis and reporting.
- NAFSA member.
- Provide high-quality customer service to prospective applicants utilizing email, phone, virtual sessions, and in person.
- Collaborate with other university departments regarding admissions-related topics.
Co-Founder of Educational Consultant Business
Elinc Education Consulting
Hangzhou, China
10.2014 - 01.2019
- Co-founded company specializing in consulting services for competitive Chinese students seeking admission abroad.
- Counseled over 100 students, achieving high acceptance rates at top U.S. universities.
- Developed and refined university application materials for Chinese college students.
- Advised on necessary adaptations for successful transitions to foreign universities.
- Assisted in creating an online consulting platform for personalized advising.
- Facilitated direct client interactions to enhance service delivery and student outcomes.
English Teacher
Hampson English
Hangzhou, China
06.2015 - 08.2018
- Delivered instruction in midlevel and advanced English writing skills.
- Engaged students of all ages through personalized one-on-one lessons.
- Employed various learning platforms to cover an extensive range of subjects in English.
- Maintained strong student retention with creative and effective teaching strategies.
- Promoted academic success, leading to elevated TOEFL scores among students.
Education
Master of Science - International Relations
Zhejiang University
Hangzhou, China09.2017
Bachelor of Science - History
Southern Illinois University At Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois08-2014
Associates of Arts Degree -
Lewis And Clark Community College
Godfrey, Illinois05.2012
Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Public speaking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Student recruitment
- Project management
- Presentation skills
- Exchange student support
- Cultural competence
- Relationship management
- Customer service
Professional Development
- Chinese 101 & 102 to maintain language proficiency, 08/01/24 - 05/31/25
- NAFSA Region V Conference, 10/01/23
- 2019 AASCU Annual 1+2+1 CHEPD Program Meeting, 09/01/19
- Chinese Language Certificate, Zhejiang University, 09/01/17 - 07/31/18
Activities
- SIUE International Studies Day 04/16/2025
- SIUE Study Abroad Fair 09/11/2025
- Sigma Alpha Pi Honors Society Membership, 09/01/14
- SIUE Study Abroad to Rome, Italy, 05/01/14 - 06/30/14
- Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society Member, 04/01/14
- Golden Key Honors Society Membership, 01/01/14
- SIUE Travel Study to Hangzhou, China, 05/01/13 - 06/30/13
- Outstanding Achievement in History Award at LCC, 05/01/12
Timeline
Graduate & International Program/Student Advisor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
01.2019 - Current
English Teacher
Hampson English
06.2015 - 08.2018
Co-Founder of Educational Consultant Business
Elinc Education Consulting
10.2014 - 01.2019
Master of Science - International Relations
Zhejiang University
Bachelor of Science - History
Southern Illinois University At Edwardsville
Associates of Arts Degree -
Lewis And Clark Community College
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