From working for a renowned restaurant group to her current role as a patient and customer experience manager for Northwell Health, Elizabeth Krummenacker attributes her professional success in the hospitality industry to the “incredible NYIT hospitality management professors that made [her] experience extremely informative about the ‘real world’ and what to expect.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Krummenacker recalls the resources and challenges that bolstered her education and drive to succeed. In reflecting on her time at NYIT, she remembers that the library was her “educational escape.” For the first time in her life, she thoroughly enjoyed the process of learning and would spend hours at Wisser Library diving deep into her studies. Working full time while also being a full-time student was a challenge that ultimately made her stronger and more committed to succeed. While she says her courses provided everything she needed to know to thrive in her industry, Krummenacker’s NYIT education also included discovering a passion for lifelong learning, a unique ability to adapt to new situations, and a knack for time management.
Krummenacker also has fond memories of an internship course in Costa Rica with Professor Alan Fairbairn. It provided her with valuable real-world experiences as well as lifelong friendships and a newfound love of travel. On the trip, she worked with the Costa Rican Tourism Board to help a hotel gain approval to build there. Along the way, she learned about sustainable business practices and the importance of a business’s environmental footprint.
Customers First
After graduating, Krummenacker was immediately hired as a general manager at a highly regarded Locust Valley, N.Y., restaurant, where she oversaw both front- and back-house operations. It was here she learned to “think outside the box” while learning the art of customer service firsthand. With that heightened understanding, Krummenacker seamlessly translated her education and experiences to a role in a completely different industry: health care.
Making a Difference
As patient and customer experience manager at Northwell Health’s Glen Cove Hospital, she is responsible for “ensuring that each guest is give the utmost impeccable care. Should there be any flaws, I work at strategies to fix them.” Krummenacker says her new role puts her on a continuous learning path, just like her time at NYIT.
When reflecting on her career trajectory in the hospitality industry, Krummenacker cites her passion for making a difference in people’s lives as guiding her path. “I have transformed my career from the food and beverage aspect to healthcare, there is no saying what you can do the options are endless.” Being a “people person,” as well as being compassionate, understanding and authentic are characteristics she attributes to being successful in the hospitality industry. She hopes students at NYIT “take advantage of every opportunity and never stop learning from those around you”
