Mercy Mbugua

Offer expert guidance and administrative support for primary and subsequent student and tourist visa applications to destinations; Australia, Canada, New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A, Ireland, and Schengen Area countries, resulting in 95%-99.99 % visa approval success rates.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging university and immigration compliance regulations.
• Prepare and submit applications in a timely manner.
• Evaluate revised policy regulations for potential impact on visa applications. taking proactive measures to promote compliance by applicants.
• Advise on practical action plans to address compliance risks associated with operational processes and procedures.

Increased brand visibility and sales for destination Australia/New Zealand from nil to 35% within organization's first financial year of operations in Kenya, driving visa grant rate by 15% for destination Australia, in the face of tougher policy changes and eligibility assessment regulations.

• Analyzed student academic records to determine course eligibility, verify accuracy and integrity of application data.
• Maintained a high level of customer satisfaction with prompt, courteous service for both applicants and their sponsors.
• Served as liaison between clients, universities and relevant visa assessment authorities, ensuring all parties were kept up to date.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice and ongoing support was provided to clients at all times
• Contributed insights during team meetings aimed at optimizing organization's processes and procedures for increased efficiency
• Delivered informative presentations educating prospective clients, on personalized higher education opportunities, destination compliant university and visa application strategies.
• Promoted customer loyalty programs to increase customer retention and repeat purchases.
• Reduced fraudulent applications by conducting thorough background checks and cross-referencing data from multiple sources.
• Utilized advanced technology tools including CRM and Microsoft Office Suite to efficiently manage and track the progress of numerous applications simultaneously.
• Performed routine data entry or document management.
• Conducted mock interviews with prospective students to prepare for university and visa interviews.

Implemented process improvements that increased team productivity by 60%, boosted customer satisfaction and achieved 97% visa grant rate for key study destinations; Australia, New zealand, Canada, United States of America, England, Ireland, Hungary.

• Advised clients on requirements for successful admission and visa application.
• Performed routine data entry and document management using technology tools.
• Enhanced visa application processing efficiency by streamlining procedures and implementing time-saving strategies.
• Participated in meetings and trainings hosted by consulates and universities, to improve skills, learn new policies and procedures and provide up to date information to clients.
• Established seamless communication with clients, universities, and consulates to keep all parties informed of application statuses.
• Ensured accurate and timely visa submission leading to approvals, by diligently reviewing applicants' documentation and adhering to strict destination guidelines.
• Managed high volumes of sensitive personal information while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols for applicant privacy protection.
• Contributed to business development by offering insights into assessment trends and policy updates in various key demographics and markets based on hands-on experience within the role of visa applications officer.
• Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities when faced with complex cases, often leading to successful resolution and visa approval.
• Assisted in training new staff , sharing best practices and providing guidance on complex cases.
• Handled customer feedback and requests to provide necessary assistance.
• Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally, for increased collaboration opportunities.

• Provided administrative support to lead marketing teams by maintaining databases, tracking projects progress, scheduling meetings.
• Participated in bi-weekly brainstorming sessions, contributing fresh ideas to support innovative marketing initiatives.
• Participated in the planning and execution of 3 successful product launch events and regular marketing events.
• Made approximately 100 cold calls daily as part of market research to optimize marketing efforts.
• Compiled consumer feedback from various sources including weekly surveys helping create better-targeted content and campaigns.

• Distributed fast moving commercial goods samples to 5-10 outlets per locality, to generate brand awareness and visibility
• Created interior displays in 2 commercial shopping malls to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives
• Verified products appeared at correct locations in proper quantities every 3-4 weeks.
• Updated pricing and signage at different outlets daily, to complete product displays and educate customers.
• Inspected merchandise for quality and arranged proper display location at various sites on a rolling basis.
• Reduced out-of-stock instances by conducting regular audits, adjusting inventory counts, and communicating discrepancies to management on a rolling basis.
• Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays monthly.