Jessie He, UOffer Global
Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Boundary-pusher
- Lifelong learner
What do you like most about your job?
What I love most about my job is leading an extensive team of passionate people who consistently go above and beyond to support students. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness students achieve their dreams, knowing that we played a part in their journey.
Beyond that, I thrive on the thrill of navigating the ever-changing international education landscape. Whether it’s expanding into new markets like Ireland and Hong Kong or finding innovative ways to create more opportunities for students, every challenge brings fresh excitement and purpose to what we do.
Best work trip?
The best work trip was to the 2024 UOffer Global Ireland Higher Education Forum in Beijing. I could feel how powerful collaboration across borders can really be, to surmount challenges and create new opportunities for students by working with international partners.
I also have the chance to witness the team’s energy, celebrating milestones, and indulging in late-night street food with the counsellors – it was a perfect mix of work and connection.
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
Python or another programming language. With the rise of AI and its impact on global education, understanding a programming language would be invaluable. Imagine combining AI tools with our student services to offer hyper-personalised guidance, like instantly matching students to the best universities or predicting their needs before they even ask. Learning a programming language feels like unlocking a superpower for the future!
What makes you get up in the morning?
The knowledge that every day is a chance to make a difference. Whether it’s guiding a student toward their dream university or supporting my team in delivering exceptional service, I’m driven by the impact we can empower international education together.
On a personal level, it’s also the belief that each day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and leave the world a little better than I found it – whether through small acts of kindness or bold, visionary changes.
Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?
Michelle Obama: she embodies resilience, authenticity, and the power of education. Her work inspires us to think beyond ourselves and focus on the impact we can have on others.
As a champion for access to education, she once said: “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back.” This resonates deeply with UOffer’s mission – to not just open doors for students but to walk alongside them as they step through, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Michelle Obama reminds us that true leadership is about empathy and service. Whether it’s uplifting a student, empowering a colleague, or advancing a cause, her example teaches us to lead with purpose and heart. At UOffer, we strive to carry that spirit forward in everything we do.
Best international ed conference and why?
Going Global by the British Council: It’s more than just a conference – it’s a think tank of ideas, a hub for meaningful conversations, and a space to challenge norms in education.
I am eager to join the EAIE conference, as recommended by lots of colleagues in the industry.
Worst conference food/beverage experience
Around the Christmas period, I attended a conference and they offered christmas pudding as dessert, which I am always reluctant to try as I’ve heard controversial opinions on it. However, after trying it, I found it amazing! I will have it as my choice of Christmas dessert from now on.
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
I would recommend The Globalisation of vHigher Education. In this evolving world, not only we need to observe the trend of higher education changes, but also be proactive in finding solutions to adapt to the ever changing environment. We need to be open minded and inclusive in this complex and diverse world.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
One initiative I’m particularly excited about is our work in helping aspiring PhD students secure places at their dream universities, along with scholarships that make their academic ambitions achievable. As someone who values both adaptability and impact, this project reflects how we’re constantly responding to market needs, especially as more students look to take their academic journeys to the next level.
PhD applications can be daunting – complex research proposals, finding the right supervisors, and navigating funding opportunities – but we’re committed to simplifying this process and guiding students every step of the way. From finding the right programme to securing funding, the path to a PhD can be overwhelming, and it’s our mission to make that process easier.
The UK is a global leader in research, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and a tradition of academic excellence. By connecting students to these resources and equipping them with tailored application strategies, we’re not just helping them gain entry into prestigious institutions but also enabling them to contribute to groundbreaking research that can impact the world.
I’m fortunate to lead an exceptional team that combines professionalism with a student-first mindset. What excites me most is seeing the ripple effect of this initiative – students achieving their potential, supervisors gaining fresh perspectives from talented individuals, and the research landscape becoming more enriched and diverse. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at UOffer Global: to open doors, foster innovation, and transform lives through education.
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