Carson Ballou is En Route to an Airline Management Career

Choosing Embry-Riddle Was Easy

After spending a week on the Prescott, Arizona, campus at an Embry-Riddle summer camp, Carson Ballou (’25, ’27) decided Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was the school for him.

“Being immersed in the mountains, the campus atmosphere and the airplanes made a positive impression on me,” he shared. “I left knowing that Embry-Riddle was exactly where I wanted to pursue my education.”

Carson had always dreamt of becoming a pilot, so obtaining his B.S. in Aeronautical Science was a no-brainer. He also chose to minor in Air Traffic Management to learn the complexities of airspace.

“It also helped support my piloting skills by gaining a better understanding of the person sitting on the other side of the radio.”

After graduating in 2025, Carson decided to continue his education by pursuing the M.S. in Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Worldwide.

“I have always had a large interest in the operations and management side of the airline industry,” he said. “With how dynamic and ever-changing the industry is, understanding how airlines grow in the current mature market is fascinating.”

Almost one year into his master's degree, Carson is building a strong foundation to succeed as an instructor, pilot and leader in the aviation industry.

What is Embry-Riddle Worldwide Like?

Carson’s experience at the Worldwide Campus has already proven to be the perfect complement to his undergraduate degree.

“While my undergraduate experience was focused on developing my skills as an instructor and airline pilot, my graduate coursework has introduced me to the operational and strategic side of the industry.”

Courses like route planning and revenue management give Carson insight into decision-making at the airline level. Focusing on airline management has significantly broadened his exposure to and understanding of the aviation industry.

Carson is earning his master's on his timeline while working as a ground and flight instructor at the Prescott Campus.

“[My coursework] not only strengthens my understanding as a professional but also allows me to bring more real-world context into my teaching and mentoring.”

Online learning also affords Carson the ability to meaningfully connect with classmates and experts across the globe.

“My classmates in Worldwide classes are some truly amazing people with incredible jobs,” he said. “Getting to work with them has been great!”

A Natural-Born Teacher

Teaching plays a big part in Carson’s story. It is important to him to intentionally create spaces where students can thrive.

“Seeing that moment when something clicks for a student means everything to me,” he shared. “I try to keep learning engaging and enjoyable both in the classroom and in the airplane. When students are excited to be there, learning becomes the easy part!”

It is no surprise that Carson kicked off his career as an instructor, given that each of his undergraduate positions involved a teaching element.

“When I worked in IT as a lead student technician, it was my job to train new hires on everything from policies to equipment and how to run an event,” he shared. “As a campus academic mentor, I worked with first-year students on how to best succeed in their transition to college. As a peer counselor for the College of Aviation, I worked closely with other flight students to help them study and prepare for their checkrides.”

While he works with college students now, Carson enjoys educating students of all ages. During summer 2024, Carson interned in the education department of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

“At the EAA, I worked with middle and high school kids with a passion for aviation,” he said. “I also developed and implemented STEM-related activities for K-12 classrooms, helping teachers get their students excited about aviation and science.”

Education in all forms remains central to Carson throughout his early professional life. 

Professional Mentorship is Key

Lucky for him, Carson has ample mentorship experience on both the giving and receiving ends.

“If I have the opportunity to help someone grow, build confidence or reach their goals, I will always take it,” he said. “Through my various jobs at Embry-Riddle and my internship, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor hundreds of students, and it has been incredibly rewarding watching them succeed!”

Because of the guidance he received, Carson is inspired to continue prioritizing mentorship as an instructor.

“I strongly believe in paying it forward,” he said. “I would not be where I am without the guidance, support and encouragement of others along the way.”

Notable mentors include David Rauch, an A/V support specialist in the Embry-Riddle Event Technology department, and Gill Wright, president of Carson’s local EAA chapter and vice president of the California Pilots Association.

Carson's mentors supported his ambitions and took steps to ensure he was aware and took advantage of opportunities available to him on and off campus. Now, Carson does the same for his students.

“When a student succeeds, it shows that I support them in the right way, and that is what makes my job meaningful.”

The Best Place to Work and Learn

Among Embry-Riddle's many benefits, Carson cherishes working with students on campus.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to give my students the tools, confidence and motivation they need and watching them turn that into success,” he said.

Having a community that shares the same passion in aviation is another reason why Embry-Riddle remains a perfect fit for Carson. The renowned reputation and relevant coursework seal the deal.

“Quite simply, I believe Embry-Riddle stands out because of the quality of its education and the reputation it carries within the aviation industry,” he said. “At the same time, there is a strong sense of community on campus. Whenever a plane flies over, everyone’s head turns to the sky in unison.”