This Embry-Riddle Student is Data-Driven and Just Plain Driven

Manvi Sharma (’26) came to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus with long-standing interests in business and aviation and a desire to put her enthusiasm and knowledge into practice. Her focus on the role data plays in business strategy made Embry-Riddle's M.S. in Aerospace Business Analytics a natural fit.

“I didn’t just want to understand [business] at a surface level,” she shared. “This program has really supplemented my undergraduate education by helping me transition from a purely technical mindset to a more data-driven, strategic and industry-focused approach.”

Strategic Decision-Making in Life and Early Career

Before embarking on her graduate degree, Manvi collected experience across a variety of jobs. From social media marketing and electrical engineering internships to project management and data analyst roles, Manvi explored different industries and positions to gain new perspectives.

“My transitions across different roles have always been guided by learning and growth,” she explained. “At each step, I focused on gaining skills that would add long-term value, especially in problem solving and decision-making.”

Her vast experience comes from intentional pivots that have helped her grow as a person and shaped her understanding of decision making in business.

“Over time, this helped me realize that I am most interested in roles where I can combine business understanding with data-driven insights.”

She interned for several months at an aviation learning and development company before embarking on her degree at Embry-Riddle, a reflection of her desire to pursue a business career in the aviation industry.

She credits her previous positions as “strategic decisions to move closer to that direction.”

Turning Personal Interests into Professional Skills

Manvi’s career aspirations are informed by her interest in numerous aspects of the business world. For instance, she enjoyed exploring how making certain choices can impact revenue through an aviation lens in her coursework. Manvi pursued a finance specialization and an International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) certificate as part of her degree.

“It was quite challenging, especially since I hadn’t studied that side of aviation business before, but that’s exactly why it stood out to me,” she said. “The way it was taught was very practical.”

Building on her initial fascination with aviation, her studies have transformed her perception of the aviation industry. Additionally, her classes have been a vehicle for networking and building relationships, which have painted an even clearer picture of the career her degree is setting her up for.

“We had regular interactions with industry professionals, which made the concepts feel real and applicable,” she shared. “Along with that, the support I have received from professors has been incredibly valuable. They’ve been very approachable and have guided me throughout my academic journey.”

Manvi recognizes the impact that education can have, and she puts that into practice in her professional life.

Learning in Multiple Contexts

Manvi works as a graduate teaching assistant on campus, instructing chemistry students through hands-on experiments and fostering an engaging and collaborative environment. Teaching in this environment has broadened her understanding of learning and applying knowledge.

“This experience has really strengthened my communication skills, as I regularly explain concepts in a simple and clear way to students,” she shared. “I also grade their work and analyze their reports, which has helped me become more detail-oriented and analytical.”

Being a teaching assistant has directly influenced how Manvi approaches her education and career, an example of how each segment of her diverse work history has brought her closer to her goals.

“Overall, this role has improved my ability to break down information and communicate it effectively, which directly supports my work in business analytics,” she shared.

Manvi also creates content pertaining to aviation and business on platforms including LinkedIn, sharing projects with and proposing questions to her network. Sharing insights through digital platforms not only passes information to others but also advances her own understanding of aviation.

“I believe gaining knowledge is one thing but sharing that knowledge is what truly makes it impactful,” she shared. “[Creating content] not only helps me document my growth but also allows me to stay connected with what’s happening in the field.”

How it Started and How it’s Going

Manvi’s organic interest in aviation originally led her to Embry-Riddle via research and discussions with a career mentor.

“Embry-Riddle stood out to me because it offers that perfect combination, and that’s what led me to choose this prestigious university,” she shared.

Manvi’s propensity for curiosity and continuous improvement has led her to an array of meaningful occupations and a fruitful experience at Embry-Riddle.

“I’ve always tried to make the most out of every opportunity, whether it’s through academics, projects or connecting with people.”

She plans to graduate in December 2026 and looks forward to the future.

“I aim to start my career in a data-driven role within the aviation industry where I can apply my analytical skills to support better decision-making,” she shared. “In the long term, I see myself growing into an industry professional who not only contributes to strategic decisions but also helps and guides others, especially those who, like me, want to pursue a career in analytics.”

Interested in Supporting Embry-Riddle Alumni?

It is an ongoing goal of ours to foster a rewarding network of alumni who support one another and invest time and resources into current and future superstar students.

Just like Manvi, Embry-Riddle embodies the cycle of excellence that is accepting wisdom from mentors who came before you and offering insight to those who come after you.

Alumni interested in supporting the next generation of Eagles can explore opportunities through the Invest in Future Eagles program or learn about additional opportunities through Embry-Riddle Alumni Engagement to network, volunteer and give back.