Ashley Strickland shares how working while earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees helped her develop leadership skills and a deeper connection to the university community.

Embry‑Riddle Worldwide student Ashley Strickland (’24, ’26) didn’t arrive at higher education with a set plan or a clearly defined career path. What she had instead was curiosity, determination and a willingness to grow — qualities that would shape both her academic journey and professional life.

After high school, Strickland worked at a local restaurant while earning her associate degree. When she completed the program, she chose to step away from school for a time, giving herself space to reflect on what she wanted next.

“Like many people at that stage of life, I was still figuring out who I was and what direction I wanted my career to take,” she said.

That pause was an important part of her journey. Within a year, Strickland felt ready to pursue a more career-focused direction and began applying for entry-level professional roles. That search led her to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, where she applied for positions in Financial Aid and the Office of the Registrar.

At 21, she entered the workforce unsure but motivated — and soon found herself part of an institution that would shape the next chapter of her life.

“I admittedly felt unsure of myself, but I knew I was adaptable, motivated and eager to learn,” she said. “Some people took a chance on me, and that decision ultimately shaped my academic and professional journey.”

Discovering Worldwide

In July 2020, just nine months after joining the university, Strickland enrolled in her first course through Embry‑Riddle Worldwide. What began as a single class quickly became a continuous academic journey spanning undergraduate and graduate study.

Now six years in, Strickland has earned her Bachelor of Science in Leadership and is nearing completion of her Master of Science in Management — all while working full-time at the university.

Her dual role as an employee and a student gave her a unique perspective on Embry‑Riddle. Working in both the Office of the Registrar and Financial Aid, she supports students through critical academic milestones while building positions and contributing to initiatives designed to strengthen university operations.

Along the way, she’s participated in employee engagement events, served as an Eagle Guide for new employees and experienced moments that highlighted Embry‑Riddle’s culture — from presenting Latin honor cords at commencement to participating in campus traditions and events.

Each experience reinforced her sense of belonging and connection at Embry‑Riddle. 

The Worldwide programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and individuals with complex schedules, allowing them to continue advancing their education without putting their careers or personal commitments on hold,” she said. “And beyond academics, being part of Worldwide fostered a strong sense of connection and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds and industries.

Choosing Leadership

Like many students, Strickland initially struggled with selecting a major. She explored programs in Homeland Security and Business Administration but found neither aligned with her long-term interests.

“I feel like there is a lot of weight on that choice, especially at a young age, where literally quite anything is possible,” she said.

It wasn’t until a supervisor suggested the Leadership program that she found clarity. The degree’s flexibility — and its emphasis on transferable skills — set it apart.

“The Leadership degree offered skills and competencies that could be applied across a wide range of industries and career paths,” she said.

That adaptability proved essential, allowing Strickland to grow professionally while strengthening her academic foundation.

Learning Through Experience

Balancing full-time work with continuous enrollment required discipline and structure. Strickland developed a consistent routine, often arriving at work early to dedicate focused time to coursework and working ahead when possible to protect personal time.

Over time, she learned that balance is rarely constant.

“Over time, I learned the importance of flexibility — accepting that balance does not always look the same from week to week,” she said.

Her professional experience brought classroom concepts to life, while her coursework boosted her confidence and effectiveness in the workplace.

Being both a student and an employee also deepened her appreciation for the student experience, shaping how she approached her role in supporting others navigating similar paths.

Leadership Without a Title

One lesson emerged consistently throughout Strickland’s undergraduate and graduate studies: leadership is not defined by position.

“If there is one lesson I have taken from both programs, it is that anyone can be a leader,” she said.

That mindset reshaped how she communicates, collaborates and approaches decision-making. Faculty reinforced the idea that leadership is often exercised quietly, through daily actions.“Leaders are often being observed whether they realize it or not,” she said. “Leadership involves considering whether our actions invite others to mirror positive or negative traits.”

A Full-Circle Moment

One of the most meaningful aspects of Strickland’s undergraduate experience was the continuity she found with faculty. Having the same professor across multiple courses allowed her to build strong academic relationships.

That connection later came full circle when, through a series of professional developments, her former professor became her supervisor — reinforcing the value of building genuine connections and investing in relationships.

Defining Growth

From the start of her undergraduate journey, Strickland set a clear goal: graduate with a 4.0 GPA and earn Summa Cum Laude honors. She achieved it.

At commencement, a friend and former coworker from the Office of the Registrar placed the honor cord around her neck — a moment that symbolized the intersection of her academic and professional paths.

And when asked to describe her Embry‑Riddle experience in one word, Strickland doesn’t hesitate.

“Growth,” she said.

“It is hard to see changes from day to day, but when looking back from year to year, I can tell that I am not the same me I used to be.”

Through Embry‑Riddle Worldwide, Strickland found more than flexibility — she found direction, confidence and a platform to grow into leadership on her own terms.

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