Adaptability, Customer Service and Optimism Among the Knowledge and Skills Learned at OCC
Emily Schenk had a strong interest in events and wedding planning when she took an event planning class at OCC. She earned an associate degree 2015 and credits several faculty and the skills she gained at OCC with helping her grow professionally.
Along her career journey, Schenk harnessed many customer service skills learned in class to adapt to a variety of professional jobs. These include stints at the Disney’s BoardWalk resort in Orlando through the Disney College program, The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms and Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle right after graduation. Each hospitality position she’s held, from concierge, event sales coordinator and banquet manager, has benefitted her, her customers and teams along the way.
Schenk believes the influence that OCC’s CulinaryFaculty had on her really helped her deal with any professional situation.
“Chef Athena Bolger and Chef Julie Selonke ran the event planning class along with several other courses I attended. Both of them really taught me how to stay calm under pressure” said Schenk. “Especially when an event is under way, the show must go on! They taught us to always put great customer service first.”
Chef Selonke, OCC Culinary Studies Institute program coordinator and instructor explains, “in the art of hospitality and culinary mastery, students not only learn to create exquisite dishes but also hone the invaluable skill of customer service. Our goal is to provide students with training to turn every meeting with guests into a memorable experience, cultivating a palette of transferable skills that transcends the service – a symphony of flavors accompanied by the harmony of exceptional service.”
The fall out after the Pandemic
Like many in the hospitality industry, Schenk exploring other opportunities. She leaned on creativity, problem solving and time management for success. Now she includes writing and her initial goal of event planning to her professional accomplishments.
Currently Schenk serves as a freelance writer for Broadwayworld.com. She came “home to OCC” to write a review of the College’s Fall 2023 production of the Spelling Bee, a Tony Award-winning show. Schenk also uses her customer service skills to help others on their big day, planning weddings several times a year. Venues include the New Vintage Place in Grand Rapids and The Henry Ford Museum Lovett Hall in Dearborn.
From coordinating event details to contracts, she makes sure each wedding stays on time and helps her clients to keep them calm and the details on task. Event days start between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and end around 1 a.m. She describes these as “long, grueling work but a gratifying side hustle.”
Schenk is also evolving as a book author. She is currently working on a children’s book series with her older brother Dan, who she describes as “an amazing artist.”
“I will be writing a book series called Bashful’s Big Adventure. It is based on a true story of a time our mini–Australian Shepard, Bashful, got lost on a walk and was rescued by a group of sorority sisters.” She shared that Bashful is based on the character from Snow White.
Advice for others exploring community college
Schenk has explored several professional roles since graduating from OCC and is thankful to know she has the knowledge and training to jump back into hospitality again if she wants to do that in the future. She offers the following advice for those thinking about enrolling at OCC: “Do it! Even if you’re not sure where you want to be in 10 years, having a degree is so crucial to the start of a good career.”
Adaptability, service and optimism has served her well.
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and one of the top transfer institutions in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu