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Bridget Thorstenson
Customer Experience Manager at EF Educational Tours
Professional Background
Bridget Thorstenson is a skilled professional with extensive experience in customer service management, team leadership, and educational programs. With a strong foundation in consumer science and languages, Bridget has made significant contributions to organizations that focus on educational tours and exchange programs. Most recently, she has excelled in her role as Customer Experience Manager at EF Educational Tours, where she has been instrumental in enhancing the travel experience for students and supporting families throughout their educational journeys.
Before her current role, Bridget served as the Regional Director at EF High School Exchange Year, guiding the direction of educational exchange programs and ensuring that both students and host families achieved rewarding and enriching experiences. Her earlier positions include Recruitment and Training Manager and Regional Sales Manager at EF Educational Tours, where she honed her skills in recruitment, sales, and team training. Bridget's leadership skill set was further enriched during her time at Target, where she held various leadership roles, including Executive Team Lead for Softlines and Guest Experience, as well as Executive Team Lead for Human Resources.
Education and Achievements
Bridget's academic journey began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied Spanish and Consumer Science. Her passion for language and cultural exchange further led her to study Spanish Language and Literature at the prestigious Universidad de Sevilla. This educational background provided her not only with linguistic expertise but also with a culturally informed perspective that she applies in her professional endeavors.
Bridget's commitment to excellence and customer experience in her professional roles showcases her depth of knowledge and versatility. Her work at EF Educational Tours and EF High School Exchange Year reflects her dedication to creating growth opportunities for young individuals through international experiences.
Bridget continuously seeks to deliver exceptional service and support to students and families. Her diverse experience in both the education sector and in retail emphasizes her ability to blend customer service ideals with organizational goals, making her an asset to any team she is part of. Furthermore, her experience in lead roles at large organizations such as Target highlights her expertise in human resources, team building, and operational management.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Bridget has achieved several milestones that underscore her expertise and commitment to improving customer experience and operational effectiveness. In her role at EF Educational Tours, she has led major initiatives that enhanced the engagement and satisfaction of customers, which is critical in the field of educational travel. Bridget is known for her ability to navigate complex challenges, drive team performance, and create strategies that align with customer needs, making her a leader in her field.
Bridget's dual-language proficiency and her hands-on experience with cultural exchange further contribute to her effectiveness in amplifying the value of educational programs. Her background has uniquely equipped her to foster relationships with diverse participants and stakeholders, both domestically and internationally. This ability is invaluable in today's global landscape of education, where understanding cultural nuances is essential for success.
In summary, Bridget Thorstenson has built a remarkable career in customer experience management and education that is characterized by leadership roles in prestigious organizations. Her educational background, coupled with her extensive experience in the field, enables her to create meaningful experiences for students, families, and stakeholders alike.
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