Kayti Stanley
School of Hotel Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
“Enthusiastic always, eager to learn, driven to succeed, and happy to make friends along the way!”
Fun fact about yourself: I am a certified wedding planner
Hometown: Friendswood, TX
High School: Friendswood High School
Major: Hotel Administration
Minor: Concentration in Information Science
Favorite Business Course: Hospitality Design Thinking
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- Activities – School of Hotel Administration Student Advisory Board; Teaching Assistant for Business Computing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Restaurant Management, & Persuasive Business Communication
- Leadership – Student Assistant to the Dean of the School of Hotel Administration; Last Lecture Chair, Mortar Board Der Hexenkreis Senior Honor Society; Secretary, Student Activities Funding Committee; Senior Information Specialist, Cornell University Visitor Relations
- Awards – Recipient of the School of Hotel Administration and Adelphic Cornell Educational Fund Writing Award; Winner, 2017 Models of Excellence Speaking Competition, School of Hotel Administration Dean’s List
Where have you interned during your college career?
- Summer 2017 – American Express; Business Analyst Intern; New York, NY
- Winter 2016 – Bluebird Productions; Logistic Coordination Intern; Aspen, CO
- Summer 2016 – Zenoss Inc.; Marketing Intern; Austin, TX
- Winter 2015 – Aaron Allen & Associates; Analytical Intern; Orlando, FL
Where will you be working after graduation? After graduation, I’m looking forward to joining Deloitte as a Business Analyst in the Strategy & Operations Consulting Group.
Who is your favorite professor? During my time at Cornell, I have interacted with countless professors who genuinely care for and invest in their student’s success. One of my favorites is Dr. Andrew Quagliata, a lecturer of Management Communication. Dr. Quagliata thoughtfully plans lecture and course content, is passionate about the subject and his students, and works tirelessly to create a great class. He builds successful managers by teaching the art of strategic communication.
What did you enjoy most about your business school? Without the community that exists within the School of Hotel Administration, my collegiate experience would not have been the same. It’s a unique culture comprised of intelligent and passionate people, who are enthusiastic about what they are learning and optimistic about achieving success and creating impact in their respective fields.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Life, and business, is all about people. People are truly what differentiates a company, and a large portion of success in business can be attributed to ability to understand and work with people.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Pick the program that best fits you, and don’t be afraid to take a non-traditional route! I chose a school that ultimately provided me with a competitive business education while emphasizing hospitality, and it was the best decision I could have made.
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying…Aeronautical engineering, so that upon graduation I could work for NASA.”
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? My Aunt is one of my greatest role models. She is an incredibly successful business woman, a mother of two, and a wonderful person. Her poise, intellect, and energy have inspired me for as long as I can remember.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am especially proud of my involvement with the Orientation Steering Committee. This small student group is tasked with planning Cornell University’s Orientation Week for 3,500+ new students. It was a pleasure to help shape the new student experience!
If you were a dean for a day, what one thing would you change about the business school? Our School has a 90-year-old traditional called the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Each fall, leading hospitality professionals come to campus and lecture about their experiences. If I were dean for the day, I would extend this series into the spring and integrate it into the core curriculum. It’s an incredibly valuable experience that every student should have at least once.
Which classmate do you most admire? Jordan Chessin, a fellow classmate, is one of the most kind and pleasant individuals that I have ever met! He is always optimistic, and I truly admire his work ethic, persistence, and ability to see the good in all people.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My family – They have inspired and supported me, and I would not be where I am without them! I can never thank my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or brother enough.
What would your theme song be? “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oats. It’s upbeat and speaks about helping others to achieve their dreams. It’s also superbly catchy!
What are the top two items on your bucket list? I would love to go on a road trip across the United States. I would also like to learn a new language.
Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Favorite movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica
What are your hobbies? I love reading, cooking, and exploring new places with friends.
What made Kayti such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2018?
“Words cannot express how much I have enjoyed working with Kayti Stanley as one of my two Dean’s Assistants this year, and how proud and excited I am to nominate her for this deserving recognition.
Kayti is a tremendous role-model for all of our students. She is extremely intelligent and articulate, and always conducts herself in such a professional and gracious manner. As the top-ranked hospitality management program in the world, our students are exceptionally bright and talented. During their time at Cornell, we show them what it means to be other-centered with a hospitality focus, in other words, to be a servant leader. Kayti is the epitome of a servant leader. She is thoughtful, considerate, goal-oriented, motivated, and an intellectually vibrant young woman who is well on her way to achieving her career dreams. It is unusual to find such a talented student who is also so mature and professional. Kayti’s qualities have made her a stand out among our Cornell students, whom as a group, are extremely impressive. In her short time here, she has made a tremendous impact on our school, college and university. She is a standout and has been a tremendous contributor – in meaningful and profound ways – to the Class of 2018.”
Dr. Kate Walsh,
Dean and E.M. Statler Professor,
School of Hotel Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
DON’T MISS: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2018 — THE COMPLETE LIST
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