All in, every step of the way: Mauricio’s EF journey

22 years | 10 roles | 8 locations | 1 division

Mauricio Perez's EF journey spans 22 years, 10 roles, and 1 division. What started as a job to pay the bills became a more than two-decade journey across continents, cultures, and life chapters—from Santiago to Switzerland, London to Venezuela, Mexico to Brazil, all with EF Language Abroad. Along the way, he’s chased challenges, embraced change, built teams, raised a family across borders, and stayed “all in” every step of the way.

In this Q&A, Mauricio reflects on the pivotal moments, lessons, and opportunities that have defined his path here, and what keeps him excited to come to work.

What did you study in school? Is that related in any way to what you're doing today?

I studied Industrial Engineering. It isn’t directly related to most of my roles at EF, but the analytical mindset—breaking opportunities and challenges into stages, spotting bottlenecks, and optimizing processes—has been very useful. It’s also worth noting that I served in the Chilean Air Force (1994–1995); that experience instilled in me a level of discipline I still rely on today.

How did you first find out about EF, and how did you start working here?

After finishing my engineering degree, I didn’t want to spend my life in production lines and logistics, so I took a gap year in Sydney. Back in Chile, I was browsing the newspaper (yes, that's how we found jobs 20+ years ago!) and saw an ad from EF Chile for a student adviser. I applied, mostly because I needed to pay the bills, and joined EF in September 2003. I was soon promoted to Country Product Manager, and that’s when my career path took off.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career trajectory? Where did you start, and how did you get to where you are today?

I started in September 2003 in Santiago as a student adviser for Language Abroad programs. Soon after, I became Country Product Manager. In 2006, I moved to our HQ in Lucerne, Switzerland, to join Central Online Marketing. A year later, I relocated to London as Online Marketing Manager focused on long-term/academic programs, and then became Sales Manager for those programs across LATAM.

As LATAM grew, I moved to São Paulo, Brazil, to stay closer to the region. In 2011, I accepted my first Country Manager role in Venezuela—five challenging but rewarding years with significant structural changes due to the political environment.

In 2016, I moved to Mexico as Sales Manager for LATAM professional programs, then became Mexico Country Manager for four years, navigating big shifts, including COVID. In 2021, I returned to EF's headquarters in Zürich, Switzerland, as Global Product Head for Youth Programs, and in 2023, I moved back to São Paulo as Regional Head for LATAM, where I am today.

How have job opportunities happened for you during your time at EF?

At EF, opportunities often come from conversations—an informal chat or a chance meeting can lead to a major career move. The new role is usually closer than you think; stay curious and speak up about your interests.

Looking back over your time at EF, what are some pivotal moments that shaped your career path?

One pivotal moment was attending a manager’s training in Miami while I was Country Product Manager in Chile. A few one-to-ones with decision-makers there led to the offer to move to Lucerne and to begin my international career.

Is there a specific moment or project that’s stood out as the most rewarding in your career?

I’m competitive and love the thrill of striving for excellence. Winning Global Performance Awards with teams I lead—getting on stage, lifting the cup, and sharing that moment with the market teams who made it possible—has been incredibly rewarding.

What is the best part of your job?

I truly believe in EF’s mission. Knowing our work helps open the world through education motivates me to bring my A-game every day.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

We work in an industry that is highly affected by external factors, from currencies to airport strikes. We need to learn how to navigate these uncontrollable situations, fully focused on the things we can control.

Throughout your career and across multiple roles, what keeps you passionate about working at EF?

You’re never bored at EF. There’s always a new project, a fresh challenge, and something to aim for. That constant momentum keeps me engaged.

Out of the countries you have lived in, which has been your favorite and why?

It’s hard to pick. Venezuela is where I met my wife, Mexico is where my first two children were born, and Brazil is where my third child was born. I carry a piece of each country with me, but if I must choose, I’m fondest of my home country—Chile.

What does work-life balance mean to you? How have you been able to find that at EF?

For me, balance means structuring my day so I can train early (I wake at 4:30 to work out or run), be home to take the kids to school, and still be fully engaged at work. I’m an “all in” person—rather than perfect balance, I aim for a life full of activities and projects I love and that challenge me. And yes, lights out by 20:30 to do it again the next day.

What makes working at EF different from other companies?

A few things stand out: constant challenge (no comfort zone), minimal bureaucracy, and rapid growth—if you excel, new opportunities come quickly.

Any advice for someone navigating their own career?

First, make sure you believe in and share the company’s mission—purpose changes everything. Deliver top performance in your current role while keeping an eye on what’s next. Find mentors you admire and use their experience as guidance.

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About EF journey stories

No two EF careers are the same. People switch products, explore new functions, move across continents, or choose to stay and grow in the same area for decades. We’re purpose built to encourage entrepreneurialism, which means there’s always something new and exciting to work on—and you can do it all while staying within the same company. There are limitless opportunities. You’re free to steer your own course, and go as far and as high as your talent will take you. These are just some of those stories.