Prashant Srivastava is a strategic leader who has reshaped international education, driving partnerships at Seneca Polytechnic that significantly boosted international student enrollment. As Director of Business Development at Seneca Polytechnic, he oversees partnerships and student recruitment for one of Canada’s leading institutions, serving over 60,000 students across 300+ programs. Recognized for his efforts in international education, Srivastava has received honors from the High Commissioner of India, the Ontario Government, and the Government of Canada, among others. With experience at top institutions like the University of California, New York Institute of Technology, and Vancouver Island University, he has made cross-cultural education a key driver of growth and student success. His work focuses on creating meaningful educational pathways that bridge cultures and unlock opportunities while championing diversity and transformative experiences for students globally. Through candid conversation, Srivastava shares his passion for bridging cultural gaps, promoting diversity, and crafting transformative educational experiences for students worldwide.

• What initially drew you to this industry, and when did you realize it was your passion?

My journey in international education began in 2006 when Vancouver Island University (VIU) offered me the opportunity to establish its first overseas office in India. In 2007, I successfully launched the VIU Centre for Canadian Education in New Delhi, promoting Canadian education and fostering meaningful connections between two distinct cultures.

Traveling across India—from Punjab to Kerala and Maharashtra to Kolkata—deepened my understanding of the country’s diversity and its parallels with Canada’s values of inclusion. These experiences laid the foundation for my passion for international education, rooted in bridging cultures and championing diversity.

At Seneca Polytechnic, I’ve advanced Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including impactful projects like hosting a tribal student from a partner institution in India and expanding outreach to underserved communities. What drives me is the opportunity to create meaningful change—building connections, navigating cultural differences, and ensuring access to education for all. 

• What were the key turning points or milestones as you progressed in your career?

Key milestones in my international education career have shaped my commitment to transforming global education partnerships. Early on, I recognized that international students are not a monolithic group. Research by World Education Services segmented them into “Strivers,” “Strugglers,” “Explorers,” and “Highfliers,” a framework that has guided my tailored strategies to meet their diverse needs.

Another pivotal milestone was overseeing student recruitment partnerships at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), particularly in the MENA region, increasing the Middle Eastern student body. This success stemmed from forging partnerships with entities like the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission and aligning recruitment goals with regional trends. Collaborating with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Commerce further expanded UCR’s international network. My efforts also earned me the prestigious STAR award.

At Seneca, I’ve focused on entrepreneurship and skills training. Notable projects include the Indo-Canada Innovative Project Competition with the College of Engineering Pune (2016–2018) and a training program with the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management, which equipped over 350 Indian civil servants with tools for policy innovation in Canada. 

• How has your leadership style evolved over the years? 

Over the years, my leadership in international education has evolved from a results-driven approach to empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and building lasting relationships. Flexibility and adaptability have become cornerstones of my style, enabling me to inspire and motivate those I lead while navigating the complexities of global education.

A key strength of my leadership is a pragmatic, analytical approach to problem-solving. For example, in addressing challenges in student recruitment, I analyze root causes—whether demographic shifts, market trends, or regional perceptions—and develop tailored strategies instead of applying one-size-fits-all solutions. This mindset has also been invaluable in responding to global shifts, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I led my team in adopting digital tools like Zoom and Teams to ensure seamless engagement with students and partners, maintaining accessibility and support despite travel restrictions.

Partnership development has been a significant focus of my work, rooted in identifying mutually beneficial opportunities. At Seneca, I managed international recruitment for regions like MENA, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to over 80% of Seneca’s international student body and driving significant revenue. A notable example of strategic growth is the healthcare cohort partnership launched in 2010, which grew from 20 internationally trained nurses to over 2,000 students, exemplifying the impact of long-term, collaborative partnerships.

Beyond recruitment, I have spearheaded training programs in digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation, training thousands of students across Canada and India. My leadership philosophy is rooted in building trust, investing in people, and maintaining clear communication. Inspired by Seneca President David Agnew and Seneca Polytechnic’s values, I prioritize collaboration and people development. By blending vision with execution, adaptability with empathy, and strategic thinking with human connection, I have led teams through significant growth and transformation, advancing opportunities for students and institutions worldwide.

• What would your advice be for budding leaders entering this industry?

My experience in international education has shown me that effective leadership requires a balance of essential skills, strong values, and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by students and institutions on a global scale. I am guided by the words of Swami Vivekananda, “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached,” and John F. Kennedy’s call to action, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” These principles inspire me to lead with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility toward creating meaningful change.

Success in international education hinges on strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. By staying grounded in these values and leading by example, leaders can navigate challenges and drive lasting, positive impact in the global education landscape.