FILA×CAREER - Admissions Coordinator at a university in the US
Mr. Junior Menezes graduated from the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) in 2018 as the 1st cohort. After graduation, he studied for a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Societal Change at the Soka University of America in the United States. After completing Graduate School, he has been working at the Minerva University as an Admissions Coordinator. He talked about why he chose Soka University and FILA, what he learned here, and how learning at FILA helps him to work.
Profile
- Name: Junior Menezes
- Year Graduated from FILA: 2018
- Home country: Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Academic Advisor: Maria Guajardo
- Favorite Place on Campus: Ikeda Auditorium and Global Square
- Club activities when you were a student： Vocal Group, English Forum, and Latin American Club
- Favorite Quotes： "I consider education to be the culminating undertaking of my life. That is because the victory of education means the victory of the people." - Founder Daisaku Ikeda
- Hobbies： Volleyball, traveling, singing, and going out with friends
Why did you choose Soka University and FILA?
I chose to study at Soka University because I was drawn to the unique educational philosophy of Soka Education. I believed that Soka University would provide a platform for me to fully explore and develop my potential, while also receiving top-quality education. In Brazil, university courses are often solely focused on career preparation, leaving little room for personal growth and exploration. The interdisciplinary approach and liberal arts curriculum offered by Soka University, through FILA program, perfectly fit my goals. This approach allowed me to discover my passions and build a strong academic foundation while experiencing a well-rounded education.
What is the best memory you have about FILA?
Being part of the inaugural class of FILA was an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. Some of my fondest memories are intertwined with the friendships and connections I forged during that time, with some of those individuals remaining close friends to this day, despite the physical distance between us. The shared challenges we navigated as the first cohort instilled in me a profound sense of mission and achievement.
What did you learn in FILA?
My concentration is humanities and I did the leadership seminar with Dr. Guajardo. Most of my classes were in education, as I already knew I wanted to have a career in education. I had an opportunity of studying abroad in London during my time at FILA, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. Watching my classmates navigate the same cultural shock I once experienced when moving to Japan was eye-opening. The chance to learn from not only my Japanese peers, but also international students, both inside and outside the classroom, was incredibly enriching. These practical exchanges were the most valuable learning experiences I had during my time at FILA.
Please tell us your story after your graduation from FILA.
After completing my studies at FILA, I continued my professional journey by working in Tokyo for a semester before pursuing a masters in Educational Leadership and Societal Change at Soka University of America in the United States. As a member of the Class of 2020, my academic trajectory was significantly impacted by the global pandemic. Ultimately, I was forced to return to Brazil and faced challenges in securing job opportunities. Despite these obstacles, I successfully graduated in May 2020 and began actively searching for employment. Drawing on my past experiences as a research assistant and admission assistant at SUA, I was able to secure a position as the admissions coordinator at Minerva University in August 2020.
Please tell us about your job.
I am currently employed as the admissions coordinator at Minerva University, a renowned institution known for its innovative approach to education in the United States. At Minerva, students engage in hybrid classes and have the unique opportunity to study in seven different countries throughout their undergraduate experience. In my role, I oversee a team of 50 student workers and collaborate with two directors to identify the most promising candidates from a competitive pool of 10,000 applicants for our undergraduate program. On a daily basis, I manage various tasks such as communicating with prospective students, analyzing transcripts and grades, supervising our student workers, and assisting in the development of admission strategies alongside our enrollment and marketing teams. While I am based in Brazil and work remotely, I have the privilege of visiting the US and other countries for work-related purposes on a yearly basis.
Why and how did you choose your current job?
My experience working with admissions at SUA solidified my desire to pursue a career in higher education. I am passionate about supporting students and believe there is much to learn from them. My background, which includes living in six countries and applying to universities worldwide, complements my enthusiasm for higher education and global citizenship. This unique combination of experiences makes my current role a perfect fit for me.
Do you feel your learning in FILA helps you in work? How?
The FILA program has been instrumental in my current role. My university has a predominantly international student body, with 87% of our students coming from abroad, and my team alone represents over 27 nationalities. The classes on cross-cultural understanding and my study abroad experiences in London were crucial in helping me effectively communicate and navigate the diverse perspectives within my team. Additionally, FILA's interdisciplinary approach has thoroughly prepared me academically for the challenges I face in this environment.
What is your goal?
My goal is to advance my expertise in my current role and eventually become the admissions director. I also plan to further my academic journey, potentially pursuing a Ph.D., or establishing a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring high school students in marginalized areas of Brazil.
Message
To the current students of FILA,
Be bold, be curious, and be brave! While there may be uncertainty ahead, trust in yourselves and remain diligent in your studies. Each of you has a unique path, and Soka University is the ideal place to uncover and realize your full potential.
To all international students considering Soka University and the FILA program,
This is a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss! Soka University's student-centered approach and core humanistic values create an exceptional environment for studying, personal growth, and forging lifelong friendships.