Aerospace Engineering Graduate Receives Student of the Year Award
Passion, tenacity and drive are qualities used to describe Bailey Eaton, the Florida Association of Employers and Colleges’ 2016 Student of the Year.
While earning her bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, Eaton was seen a student role model who mentored her peers and completed five internships that have helped her launch a career at The Boeing Company.
Those achievements paved the way to earning the association’s award in the private college category at last month’s FloridaACE annual conference in Miami. Each year, FloridaACE presents an award to a student who demonstrates exceptional achievement in experiential learning.
Eaton, who graduated in December, is currently working as an aerospace engineer under Boeing’s Engineering Leadership Development Program. Based in Everett, Washington, she will rotate between four divisions over the span of two years.
Nominated by Career Services Director Valerie Kielmovitch, Eaton was recognized for achievements both inside and outside the classroom – including service as a peer mentor for younger students through Embry-Riddle’s University 101 class.
In addition to maintaining a 3.3 GPA, Eaton spent two years on the cross country/track and field team, worked as a resident advisor, instructed yoga at the fitness center and participated in organizations including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the National Society of Black Engineers.
While working toward her degree, Eaton also completed five internships. Most recently, she spent a summer as a Boeing propulsion test methods and technology engineer intern. Previous internships included two summers with Synergy Aircraft, another summer at Northrop Grumman and a fall experience with GE Aviation.
Eaton’s interest in aerospace engineering started in elementary school. However, it was a track and field scholarship that brought her to Embry-Riddle. Being involved in athletics has instilled discipline and the ability to find balance between her studies and campus involvement, she said.
As a recent graduate, Eaton encourages other students to find a range of activities that will help develop a well-rounded set of skills.
“If you work hard and put time into your soft skills, it can be very valuable,” she said. “Forget about the math skills and learn how to talk to someone confidently.”