Aviation Leadership and Business with Emma Ruedlinger

Emma Ruedlinger (’27) always knew that she was interested in aviation and flying. However, she felt that a career that went beyond being a pilot would better fit her skills and interests.

“I’ve always loved aviation, but I also really enjoy the business and marketing side of things. Coming here, I quickly realized I didn’t just want to fly the airplanes, I also wanted to help grow the industry and be involved in the people, branding and leadership side of aviation too. Discovering Embry-Riddle's business school felt like the perfect mix of both worlds for me,” she said.

In addition, Emma was drawn to Embry-Riddle as a whole, feeling a sense of connection to other students with similar interests and passions.

“Embry-Riddle just felt different than any other school I visited,” she shared. “Everyone here is so passionate about aviation, and being surrounded by people who all have similar goals felt so motivating to me. I also loved all the opportunities outside the classroom, from networking to internships to leadership experiences, especially within the College of Business.”

Leadership On and Off Campus

Through getting involved with the Student Government Association as a College of Business ambassador and serving as the marketing director for Sigma Kappa, Emma has found numerous ways to lead and support the Embry-Riddle community.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is how important communication and relationships are,” she said. “A big part of leadership is learning how to connect with people and work well with different personalities."

In 2025, Emma participated in the Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering competition, in which undergraduate students create and present solutions to a fictional case involving an ethical problem.

“I entered because I thought it would challenge me to think differently. The competition wasn’t just about technical solutions; it was about making ethical decisions and seeing how engineering impacts people in real-world situations,” she explained. “One of my biggest takeaways was realizing how important teamwork and communication are when solving complex problems.”

Later that year, Emma entered and won the Miss Vanderburgh County pageant, wanting to share her love for aviation with her community, and later went on to the Miss Indiana pageant.

“I originally became interested because I liked that pageants were more than just appearances; they focus a lot on leadership, communication and community involvement,” she said. “My experiences with pageantry have made me a skilled interviewer and have taught me the value of being a positive, poised individual.” 

“It was surreal seeing aircraft that close together in the air while trying to capture the moment through photography. During the flight, I was excited but also really focused because everything happens so quickly. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the precision, communication and trust involved in aviation.”

Learn more about Aviation at Embry-Riddle.

Building Blocks for Success

For Emma, taking steps toward a successful career is a continuous process. Last summer, Emma interned at United Companies Air Center in Evansville, Indiana, as a marketing, safety and customer relations assistant.

“I was really interested in getting hands-on experience in the aviation industry and learning how airport and FBO operations work behind the scenes. During my internship, I gained experience with customer service, operations, marketing and working directly with aircraft and clients,” she said. “I learned how important professionalism and adaptability are in aviation, because every day can look completely different.”

After graduation, Emma hopes to find a career where she can combine her love for aviation with her business and leadership experience.

“I’m really interested in aviation marketing, industry relations and growing connections within the aerospace world,” she shared. “My dream job is to be a demo/sales pilot or own my own seaplane flight school.”

When chasing your goals, Emma recommends getting outside your comfort zone and making connections.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take full advantage of every single opportunity that comes your way,” she said. “A lot of the best opportunities come from simply introducing yourself, asking questions and saying yes to experiences even if they seem intimidating at first. Also, get involved early because college goes by way faster than you think!”