Erin Cromack '15

Name: Erin Cromack

As an intern for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) in Boston, Erin Cromack helps ensure that events go off without a hitch.

In the increasingly high-tech events management world, Erin creates an app for each of the events that she’s assigned. The apps allow staff members to track the logistics of an event from roving iPads. If a speaker changes room numbers during a conference, for instance, Erin instantly makes the change using the app.  

“It’s all very fast, and I make sure everything is running smoothly,” she says.

Erin is also currently earning her Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) degree with Isenberg’s online degree completion program. When she’s not troubleshooting event registration, she’s studying the industry in her special events course. She says the combination of real life experience and education has been powerful.

For example, Erin was learning about how to draw up contracts in her special events course just as she was tasked with creating a contract for MCCA.

“Working in the industry that I’m studying really helps my job, and vice versa,” she says. “I’m getting real life experience at the same time I’m taking the class.”

Between work and school, Erin has a busy schedule. She says she relies on her Isenberg advisors to help plot her courses and keep her on track to graduate in May.

“My advisors in Isenberg have been hugely helpful figuring out which classes are right for me,” she says. “They are some of my biggest advocates.”

She says the online platform allows her to live her life without sacrificing a quality education.

“The teachers at Isenberg want you to succeed,” she says. “The professors want to answer your questions. It’s the same online. I’ve had really great teachers who just stick with you. They make you feel like it’s not so distant even though it’s an off-campus program.”

Erin has always been drawn to service. She led a high school Habitat of Humanity trip to rebuild houses after Hurricane Katrina, runs an annual clothing drive, and is a Daughter of the American Revolution, which supports active duty military personnel and veterans. She thinks her HTM degree fits her passions.

“Helping people is my mindset,” she said.