Getting Set Up for Success: Alisha Khan Talks Campus Involvement, Internships and Post-Graduate Studies

Through business-centered student organizations, summer internships and continuing education, Aviation Business Administration student Alisha Khan is readying herself for a fulfilling career in procurement and supply chain management.

Although Alisha Khan (’26) didn’t grow up surrounded by the aviation community, she knew from a young age that aviation was something she wanted to do. Beginning flight training at age 13, Alisha began to envision her future in the aviation industry.

“At first, my dream was to become a commercial pilot, but I like the nine-to-five,” she shared. “I’m a very routine person, so I became really interested in the business aspect.”

After searching online for degrees that combined business and aviation, Alisha came across Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, deciding it was the perfect fit.

“For a specific degree like Aviation Business Management, I knew I would want to surround myself with like-minded people,” she said. “There are so many universities that provide the same degree, but I wouldn’t be surrounded by the aviation community all the time — that drives me, and I get to learn so much more.”

Now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration with a focus on Supply Chain Management, Alisha is getting involved on campus, working toward professional goals and preparing to begin her master’s degree in Aviation Finance.

Learning and Growing on Campus

Involved in organizations like the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the Business Aviation Student Association (BASA) and serving as vice president of the new Communications Club, Alisha is finding ways to make networking a priority. She also helps develop her peers as an undergraduate tutor in the David B. O'Maley College of Business.

“I’m always going to go back to networking: those clubs focus on building and maintaining relationships,” she said. “And there’s always a new person who’s going to tell you all about their experiences.”

She also shared how the College of Business became more than the place where she was earning her degree — it became the place where she cultivated lifelong friendships with classmates and built a family.

Taking the Next Step at Embry‑Riddle

After graduating a year early with her bachelor’s degree, Alisha will be continuing her education at Embry‑Riddle through the combined degree program, adding a master’s degree in Aviation Finance.

"The reason I chose Aviation Finance is because a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Supply Chain Management is very specific, and I felt that a master’s degree in that would broaden my education,” she shared.

After finishing her education, Alisha hopes to work in a smaller airline like Atlas Air or Sun Country Airlines. “I really like that Atlas Air is a cargo-based airline, which is something I’m interested in,” she explained. “I’d also return to Sun Country Airlines because I love their environment.”

For fellow and future students, Alisha advises determination: “Just know that hard work and discipline will be rewarded,” she said. “It might be challenging right now, but in the future, you’ll look back and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”