Meet the people who make ECE thrive! Our Meet the Team series takes you behind the scenes to highlight the talent, passion, and personality driving our mission every day.
Meet Kim Hajec, Director of Client Solutions
Get to know Kim Hajec, Director of Client Solutions at ECE. With nearly 20 years in higher education and a career shaped by international admissions and student services, Kim brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her work. She loves connecting with institutions and organizations because she’s walked in their shoes and understands their challenges. Outside of work, Kim is a Florida beachgoer who moved for the sun and sand, a devoted cat mom to two fur babies, and a fan of all things Bridgerton and Hamilton. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, her passion for ECE’s mission, and a glimpse into the things that bring her joy.
Q & A Session
Q: What's your background? What did you do before joining ECE?
Before coming to ECE, I worked in higher education for almost 20 years. My first job straight out of college was as an Enrollment Advisor at Gannon University. I traveled throughout the state of New York, recruiting students from that area to Gannon. After three years, I transitioned to the wonderful work of international education, holding positions in international admissions & recruitment and international student services (immigration advising & programming). The world of international education has been life-changing for me, and I’ve never looked back!
Q: What do you do at ECE? What excites you most about your position and/or your team?
I am the Director of Client Solutions. My team and I work with third parties that are interested in learning more about who ECE is and utilizing ECE's services in some capacity. It's fun for me, because I was one of those folks in higher ed. Having been in their shoes, I can relate to the work that they do every day.
Q: What do you like most about working at ECE?
What I like most about working at ECE is the people. We all share passion and dedication to the work that we do, and it shines through. Everyone contributes ideas and is motivated to move the organization forward. Everyone cares about what we do and the people we do it for.
Q: What’s one of your favorite activities when you’re not working? Tell us something that others might find surprising.
I live in Florida, so when I'm not working, my favorite thing to do is go to the beach. I moved here specifically for the sun and sand—and it hasn't disappointed me yet!
Q: Where have you traveled inside or outside of the U.S.? Do you have a favorite country, city, or region that you like to visit?
For someone who identifies as a homebody, I have traveled quite a bit. I've been to almost half of the states in the U.S., and I've been to the Bahamas, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and various provinces in Canada. That's way more than I thought! My favorite place to travel to was Florida until I moved here (I liked it so much, I packed up and moved here 2 years ago!).
Q: Are there any books or movies that you simply could not put down or kept thinking about long after you had read or watched them? Why?
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a huge Bridgerton fan. Those seasons can't come fast enough (hurry up, Netflix!). I love the era of the show and who doesn't love Shonda Rhimes? I am also a HUGE Hamilton fan...I've watched it a thousand times, seen it live, listened to the music while I work, and I recently bought tickets to go see it in theaters for the 10-year anniversary of the musical. I never thought in a million years I'd enjoy a musical, but my sister convinced me to give this one a shot (and I didn't throw it away—see what I did there for all you Hamilton fans?!) How am I going to sit in a theater and watch this without singing at the top of my lungs? I'll have to report back on that one. :)
Lightning Round!
Q: Vacation or staycation?
Staycation. I’d rather stay home!
Q: Netflix or Hulu?
Netflix. Duh, Bridgerton fan right here!
Q: Night or morning?
Morning. My kitties wake me every day around 5 a.m. for breakfast. Then I’m just up.
Q: Passenger or driver?
Driver. No passenger princess here!
Q: Be embarrassed or be afraid?
Be embarrassed. I'm a scaredy cat. I'd rather make a fool out of myself than have nightmares for days from being afraid of something.
Q: City or country?
Country. Born and raised a country girl!
Q: Camping or glamping?
Glamping. Did I mention I was a country girl? Not anymore. :)
Q: Cooking or being cooked for?
Being cooked for. I miss the days of living with one of my sister's and my meals were prepared for me.
Q: Roommates or live alone?
Live alone. Do kitties count? I love my two fur babies!
Q: Attend a party or host a party?
Host a party. If I'm socializing, I like to do it at my house.
Q: Lose sleep or skip a meal?
Um, what? “Neither” isn't a choice?
Q: Sweating or shivering?
Sweating. I live in Florida. Sweating is inevitable.
Q: Hot or iced coffee?
Hot coffee. Yes, I live in Florida, but there's nothing like a cup of hot coffee in the morning when you first get up to jolt you awake.
Q: Fiction or nonfiction?
Fiction. Always, always, always fiction!
Q: Patterned or plain?
Plain. I like plain, bold colors.
Our "Meet the Team" blog series has celebrated the incredible individuals who bring ECE to life, shining a spotlight on the talents and passions that shape our culture and drive our success. Thank you for following along and getting to know our team!