Senior US Study Abroad Advisor

Role: Senior Academic Planner

Location: Shenzhen, China

Job type: Fixed Term Contract for 3 years – Full time

Why QS?

At QS, we believe that work should empower you. That’s why we foster a flexible working environment that encourages every employee to own their career whilst flourishing personally and professionally. Our company values underpin everything we do – we collaborate, respect and support each other.

It’s our mission to empower motivated people around the world to fulfil their potential through higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that change lives.

Our diversity makes us stronger. By sharing our experiences, we learn from one another and achieve more together, driving progress across the sector.

At QS, you’ll be responsible for implementing real change in the international higher education landscape. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that see a positive impact across the business and the wider sector.

We’re confident you’ll feel right at home here. QS was named as one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® in the UK (October 2023), recognising the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day. And as a gold-accredited Investors in People organisation – putting us among the top 28% of workplaces globally – it’s official: QS is a place where everyone can thrive.

The role

The Senior Academic Planner is responsible for guiding students through the full study‑abroad journey, from goal-setting and positioning to test planning, academic path design, extracurricular enhancement, and application strategy support.

This role requires a highly collaborative mindset. The Academic Planner must work fluidly with front-end consultants, application teams, and other colleagues to ensure every student and family receives an exceptional, seamless service experience. Operating in silos is not aligned with how QS delivers excellence; teamwork is central to the role.

Role responsibilities

• In-depth understanding U.S. study abroad policies and updates, and be familiar with the extensive knowledge of U.S. study abroad counselling.
• Follow up with the company’s client resources, answer incoming calls and online inquiries, schedule and host visits, and provide students and parents with professional and comprehensive study abroad consulting services, offering professional advice on study abroad plans.
• Sign study abroad contracts with clients, create dedicated student files and application progress reports for contracted students, and tailor comprehensive study abroad plans. Monitor the implementation of the study-aboard plans throughout the preparation process. Based on the current domestic and international employment trends, combined with the student’s personal background, provide guidance to students on the selection of schools and majors, plan the student’s career, and recommend suitable products to clients (such as visa services, language training, internships, research programs, summer camps, admission mock interviews, etc.).
• Able to make study-abroad knowledge-sharing presentations at online and offline events (such as education fairs, institutional partnerships, university lectures, online live broadcasts, etc.) to actively identify potential clients.
• Cooperate with the case manager team to coordinate work related to the student’s school application, visa preparation, and departure services after the client signs the contract.

Key skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree or above from a recognized university, any major is acceptable; US study experience is preferred.
• Proven experience, as a good performer at a sales role in international education counselling area.
• Enjoy and excel in communication with people, have strong stress management skills, quick learning abilities, and a strong sense of delivering high quality services.
• Recognize and value the study abroad industry and corporate culture, with a strong sense of teamwork.
• Proficient in using Microsoft software, with a good command of English.

So, who are we and what do we do?

QS is the world leader in higher education services, analytics, insights and intelligence. From consultancy to student mobility, academic partnerships to branding solutions, our services power both institutional and individual success.

We’re behind the world’s most widely read university rankings (Meltwater 2023). Our QS World University Rankings® reach hundreds of millions, shaping decisions and guiding futures.

Since launching in 1990, our impact and influence have only grown. Today, we work with more than 2,000 of the world’s leading higher education institutions, over 12,000 employers, and governments seeking change and socioeconomic development through higher education.

Join QS and you’ll join an 800-strong community of problem-solvers, creators, collaborators and change-makers based in 40+ countries and 11 international offices, including Australia, Malaysia, India, Romania, Singapore, France, Germany, the USA and our headquarters in London.

With every talented new hire, business acquisition and bold initiative, we’re strengthening our reach and delivering even greater value to institutions and learners worldwide. Are you ready to shape the future of higher education?

We take investing in our people very seriously.

• Free subscription to the Calm App – the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
• A focus on welfare which is led by our global wellness team, with mental health first aiders globally
• Access to a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and groups
• Strong recognition and reward programs – including a peer-to-peer recognition platform, quarterly and annual QS Applaud Awards, Connect with your Career annual personal development event
• Support for volunteering and study leave
• Free subscription to LinkedIn learning – with over 5,000 courses and programmes at your fingertips
• Options to join our outstanding global Mentorship programme

Like what you’ve heard? Great, apply now!

As a candidate, we know the application and interview process can be daunting and so it’s important that you have a great experience with us. Our dedicated Talent Team will work hard to ensure you are fully informed at all stages and you are really excited by this opportunity to do meaningful work in the education space.

Equal opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive. 

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