Business Eagles Network with Aviation Industry Leaders

Embry‑Riddle Aviation Expertise

At Embry‑Riddle, our faculty have decades of leadership experience in the aviation industry, with professors working at organizations like Delta Air Lines, the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during their careers. Our business faculty offers expertise in everything from air transportation economics, supply chain management, lean six sigma and accounting for airlines and aviation organizations. Many conduct research for the aviation industry, currently serve on boards for international organizations and publish books on airline industry management.

With this vast experience comes significant knowledge and connections our faculty are eager to share with Embry‑Riddle students. One way they do this is through the Business Eagle program.

What is the Embry‑Riddle Business Eagles program?

Business Eagles is an exclusive undergraduate organization that seeks to help high-performing business students soar into success in dynamic aviation, aerospace and space industries. Because of the unique, specialized leadership and professional development, the program is a highly sought-after extracurricular activity with a competitive selection process.

"Business Eagles have unique opportunities for in-depth learning with industry leaders, as well as networking opportunities with these professionals along with our faculty,” said Laura Reece, faculty lead for the Business Eagle program. “Business Eagles are the best in class and are leaders in our college and our campus.”

Senior Alexandria Cogdell, an Aviation Business Administration major, joined Business Eagles to develop herself professionally and boost her connections with fellow students, administration and industry professionals.

“Since my freshman year, some of the greatest upperclassmen mentors in the College of Business always stemmed from the Business Eagle Program,” she explained. “I’ve always looked up to many of them, now more than ever, as they become top industry leaders.”

Senior Aviation Business Administration major Jonathan Frederick chose to join the program for professional development but found that he also gained confidence and professionalism.

“I focused upon building my resume and experience as early as possible through my college career to have the most time to search/apply for full-time positions in industry,” shared Frederick. “However, through my Business Eagles experience, I gained exposure to professionals and learned to hold myself to a higher professional standard, which improved my confidence in myself.”

What opportunities do the Business Eagles have with networking?

In addition to connecting within Embry‑Riddle, the Business Eagle program opens the doors for unique networking opportunities. Students meet with industry leaders, interact in small groups with aviation professionals and visit airports and other aviation businesses.

These connections serve not only as an educational experience in preparation for their future careers but also allow students to make personal connections with leaders in the aviation community.

“The Business Eagle program is an amazing opportunity for all students to discover their passion and connect with those who were in their same shoes years in advance, as well as become the leading team in the O’Maley College of Business for excellence and poise,” Cogdell said.