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As a certified bridal consultant, Kelly Cusick Sakmar ’06 finds that the most rewarding part of her job at the Radnor Hotel in the Philadelphia Main Line occurs several weeks after the wedding.
“There were certainly points during my engagement that were rather stressful and overwhelming,” she says. “One of my favorite parts about my job is that I can alleviate that stress for other brides and help them through what can otherwise be an enjoyable process. The most rewarding point is usually a few weeks after a couple’s wedding has passed, and I receive the glowing thank-you note that never ceases to surprise me in its depth of appreciation.”
Sakmar secured her position as Radnor’s wedding consultant after serving an alumni-sponsored internship at the hotel with biology graduate Lou Prevost ’71, vice president and general manager. During her internship, Sakmar performed sales, marketing, and wedding coordinating tasks.
“My internship was unique because I was not limited to one job function,” she says. “This was beyond beneficial because I was able to learn skill sets in different areas in addition to confirming the best career path for me.”
Having a Lafayette alumnus as her supervisor gave Sakmar extra insight into the workings of the entire hotel, not just those associated with her internship.
“I immediately felt a common bond and understood that [Lou] was looking out for my best interests,” she says. “It was extra special because Lou is the general manager of the hotel; there were plenty of other employees who didn’t have the opportunity to meet with him on a daily basis. Since he was my main contact, we met regularly and I was able to benefit from his constant guidance and feedback.”
Now Sakmar’s days are filled with pitching the hotel to new brides, keeping track of details for upcoming weddings, and conducting final meetings each weekend with couples who are getting married. Prevost continues to mentor Sakmar in her new role.
“Working with Lou is still excellent,” she says. “He never ceases teaching. It is apparent that he truly wants the best for his employees. He is always striving to challenge us and his dedication is beyond words. He is also a kind, reasonable man who focuses not only on his work life, but on his family and relationships as well.”
Sakmar took advantage of all the resources the College provides to students exploring career paths.
“Lafayette did a superb job preparing me for my career,” says the religious studies graduate. “I attribute the majority of my success to the Office of Career Services, the liberal arts curriculum, and the countless inspiring individuals that comprise the College. Without any one of those factors, I would not have been able to attain the experiences and knowledge that positioned me for my dream job.”
Sakmar especially credits her adviser Stephen Lammers, Manson Professor of the English Bible, with having a profound impact on her academic development. She has continued to stay in touch.
“One particular experience stands out in my mind and embodies a major theme of Lafayette,” she explains. “It was early one morning as I was finalizing my senior capstone. I had received a parking ticket as I was on my way to my early morning meeting with Professor Lammers. Since I was eager to begin winter vacation and nervous about how my capstone would conclude, this was the icing on the cake. As I entered Professor Lammers’ office on the verge of tears, it was clear that it was just one of those days. The remarkable part is that instead of continuing to forge forward with our project, Professor Lammers – known to be rather meticulous and challenging – took the time to ask if I was okay; he even suggested we take a break and a quick walk down the hallway before we continued.
“I think this experience speaks volumes about Professor Lammers and the Lafayette experience as a whole. He is truly committed to challenging and teaching the whole person; however, he is completely fair, reasonable, and in tune to aspects of one’s personal life. Likewise, the Lafayette community and experience share the same goals and characteristics. While it is primarily a learning-centered environment, there is certainly a focus on educating the whole person in not only academic skills, but personal skills as well.”
Alumni are needed to provide one- to three-month internship experiences at their workplaces this summer. The position can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, but it is expected to be a structured and supervised work or service experience. The position is posted to the Office of Career Services’ online Job Vault and students apply directly to the alum or designee.
Even if you cannot personally host an intern, you can still be a resource for students interested in interning at your organization. Provide the Office of Career Services with information about available internship programs and how students can apply. Consider allowing students to contact you directly with questions about the realities of working at your organization. For more information about the Alumni-Sponsored Internship Program, contact Rachel Nelson Moeller ’88, moellerr@lafayette.edu.