Aya Dushnitzky
The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business
“Passionate about travel, building connections, and finding creative solutions to bring people and ideas together.”
Fun fact about yourself: I am a citizen of 3 different countries on 3 different continents.
Hometown: New Albany, Ohio
High School: New Albany High School
Major: Operation Management and Economics
Minor: N/A
Favorite Business Course: Operations Planning and Control
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- The Honors Cohort Program
- 2025 Pace Setters Robert E. Georges Senior Award
- Student Ambassador for Fisher College of Business
- Fisher College of Business Peer Advisor
- Recruitment Host for The Ohio State Football Team
- American Airlines College Mentorship Program
- Ohio State Women’s Rowing Student Manager
- Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity
- Fisher Freshman Global Lab- Hamburg Germany
Where have you interned during your college career?
American Airlines, Dallas, TX, Revenue Management Intern (June 2024 – August 2024)
Marathon Petroleum, Catlettsburg, KY, Supply Chain Intern (May 2023 – July 2023)
Where will you be working after graduation? American Airlines – Revenue Management Analyst
Who is your favorite business professor? Ty Shepfer has been my favorite professor due to his deep commitment to student success and his genuine passion for teaching. As the coordinator of my honors program, his guidance has been invaluable in shaping my academic, professional and personal growth.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? I’ve learned that collaboration is crucial in business, especially when working with diverse teams. Combining different perspectives often leads to more innovative and effective solutions.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? My advice to a student looking to major in a business-related field is to be proactive, stay curious, and embrace hands-on experiences. Business isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom. It’s about applying those concepts in real-world situations. Get involved early in internships, student organizations, or side projects that align with your interests.
Also, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Explore different industries, take on leadership roles, and network with professors, alumni, and professionals. The more you expose yourself to different opportunities, the better you’ll understand what excites you and where you can make the most impact. Lastly, develop strong analytical and communication skills. Being able to interpret data and effectively convey your ideas will set you apart no matter what career path you choose.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Looking back, one thing I would do differently in business school is take more risks in exploring unfamiliar opportunities outside my comfort zone. Doing so would have broadened my perspective earlier and helped me develop a more diverse skill set. Business school is the perfect time to experiment and learn through trial and error. If I could do it again, I’d push myself to take even more unconventional paths to grow both personally and professionally.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? At Fisher College of Business, professors encourage us to use AI tools to enhance learning, from generating ideas to improving study habits. They recognize AI as the future of business and emphasize using it effectively rather than avoiding it. Whether for brainstorming case solutions, summarizing complex topics, or optimizing workflows, AI is integrated into coursework to enhance critical thinking. This approach has taught me that AI is a powerful tool when used responsibly, preparing us to adapt to technological advancements in our careers.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? One of the achievements I’m most proud of is my work as a Fisher Ambassador. Initially, the idea of speaking in front of large groups intimidated me. Over time, I gained confidence and learned how to connect with students in a meaningful way. What makes this experience even more rewarding is the impact I was able to have on others. I’ll never forget when a student told me that I was the reason she chose Ohio State. That moment reminded me that it’s about the small, meaningful ways we shape our communities.
Which classmate do you most admire? Although many of my classmates have greatly influenced my college experience, the one I admire most is Griffin Gardner. We worked together as Fisher Ambassadors and Peer Advisors, and his dedication, leadership, and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on me. When he graduated a year before me, his absence in the office was immediately felt. Griffin is not only a hard worker, but also someone who makes everyone around him feel valued and appreciated.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices, which have been the foundation of my success. They instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience, always encouraging me to pursue opportunities even when I doubted myself. Attending such an incredible school and growing as a leader would not have been possible without their guidance and belief in me. As I celebrate this milestone, I recognize that my success reflects their love, dedication, and the sacrifices they made to help me get here.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two goals on my professional bucket list are serving on the board of a nonprofit organization and working abroad for a year or two to gain a broader international perspective.
What made Aya such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?
“Aya Dushnitzky exemplifies the very best of Fisher. She is a standout Honors student, a principled leader, and an engaged citizen in the Fisher community. From supporting our recruiting team as a student ambassador to serving as a peer advisor mentoring new first-year students, she does not hesitate to give her time and energy to making Fisher a better place for current and prospective students. One of her professors said, “Whether in the classroom, leading teams, or mentoring her peers, Aya consistently demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a passion for impact.” Fisher is full of bright students with even brighter futures ahead of them, but Aya’s unwavering commitment to helping others succeed has made her an invaluable part of the Class of 2025.”
Jana Lithgow
Executive Director of Undergraduate Programs
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