A conversation with Jenni, a summer resident advisor at the EF Miami school

Have you ever had a trip turn into a job opportunity? That’s what happened to Jenni—who was first introduced to EF Education First in 2019 on a school tour to Germany. Fast forward five years, and Jenni was hired as a summer Resident Advisor at our EF Miami school! Learn more about her role and how this full-circle moment came to be.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but currently live in Oslo, Norway where I’m studying at the BI Norwegian Business School. My studies focus on international business and intercultural communication and management. As someone who has lived and traveled to many different areas, I love being in global environments. I also enjoy reading, playing games with friends, cooking and baking, and recreating things from Pinterest.

How did you find out about EF? What drew you to EF?

I was introduced to EF Education First through my younger sibling who did an EF tour to Germany with her school in 2019. I had the opportunity to join and had an amazing time during the trip. I ran into EF years later when they had a stand at my school’s career fair in Oslo. I love languages, traveling, and trying new things, so I thought EF could be the perfect match.

What made you apply for a job at EF?

At that career fair, I spoke with the recruiters, and learned about the different opportunities available. While there were no local opportunities in Norway or Sweden that were a good fit for me, I was able to work with them to find a position in Miami, Florida. The recruiter put me in contact with the team in Miami where we were able to find a position for me as a summer Residence Advisor for the school. Everyone was incredibly helpful, friendly, and accommodating to help find me a job at EF for the summer.

How would you describe your job?

I’m a Residence Advisor in our EF Miami school which is very dynamic and fun. My main responsibilities involve ensuring student welfare and creating a welcoming environment. This includes addressing student concerns promptly, planning and hosting activities, and performing routine checks on the students and their accommodations. The activities are always a great opportunity to meet the students, try new things, and explore the local area.

What was the most rewarding part of your summer at EF Miami?

It’s rewarding to learn more about EF Education First as a company and make new connections while working here. I have been able to meet people from all over the world, and it is so rewarding to see the students also make friends and thrive because of this program.

What do you love about working in Miami?

The team is the best part of working here. I feel so grateful to have such friendly and inviting colleagues who are very dependable. We love spending our free time together, and I feel so supported by everyone. The location is also a great benefit as we are close to many things, including the great oceanfront.

What does a typical day at work look like?

While every day is different, a day in my life at EF usually involves meeting colleagues for breakfast and lunch on campus, catching up with each other, and checking in throughout the day. Depending on my work schedule, I often perform various administrative and supportive tasks such as working at the front desk and partaking in activities.

What skills do you think someone needs to do well in your role?

You definitely need strong communication skills (including methods to communicate across language barriers), approachability, dependability, and quick problem-solving skills. We often need to think on our feet and respond quickly to requests as they pop up. Especially since many students are here for such a short period, we try to make their time here as enjoyable and memorable as possible.