Name: Erin (Smith) DeMarco
Class Year: 2004
Title: Senior Donor Relations Officer
Organization Name: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
As Senior Donor Relations Officer, I am responsible for creating and implementing strategy and programs to engage and steward donors to the Institute at all levels of giving.
2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
At Holy Cross, I was a Spanish major in the Teacher Education Program. After my junior year, I interned at ReadBoston, a children’s literacy nonprofit. I found this internship through the Summer Internship Program at Holy Cross and pursued it because I thought it would allow me to hone my interest in education outside of a traditional classroom setting. My boss that summer was another Holy Cross alumna (Theresa Lynn ’87). After graduation, I was hired by ReadBoston full time. My plan had not been to work in a nonprofit, but through this internship, I discovered my passion for nonprofit work. I worked at ReadBoston for almost eight years and Theresa, my former boss, remains a wonderful friend and mentor.
3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
I was a four-year student athlete on the swim team. I was also a member of Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honor Society).
4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
I was a Spanish Major in the Teacher Education Program. I intended to be a teacher, but my experience interning at ReadBoston changed my outlook.
5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
My liberal arts education allowed me to study a wide variety of topics and to think critically about different perspectives. These skills are indispensable every day.
6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?
Take advantage of the career center! I went to an info session for the Summer Internship Program and it ended up shaping my entire career in a way I never anticipated. In addition, relationships are so important and valuable, especially within the Holy Cross network. Go to alumni events and keep up with your relationships with your fellow classmates. You never know when you might need to call on a fellow Crusader.
