Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Sara Ballantyne is a talented and driven professional currently pursuing dual graduate degrees - an MBA at Harvard Business School and a Master of Science in Engineering at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. With a strong background in aerospace engineering, she is poised to leverage her technical expertise and business acumen to drive innovation and make a significant impact in the industry.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

• MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School (2023-08-01 to Present)

• Master of Science Candidate - Engineering at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (2023-08-01 to Present)

Career Progression

Prior to her graduate studies, Sara held various engineering roles at Blue Origin, a leading aerospace manufacturer. She started as a Mechanical Engineer in the New Graduate Rotation Program in 2019, quickly advancing to Propulsion Engineer I and then Propulsion Engineer II, where she contributed to the development and testing of advanced propulsion systems.

During her time at Blue Origin, Sara demonstrated her technical prowess, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Her contributions helped drive the company's mission to make space exploration more accessible and sustainable.

Academic Background

Sara holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, where she also served as a Representative for Intercollegiate Affairs in the Student Government. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as a Machine Shop Student Instructor, teaching skills in brazing, plasma cutting, and welding.

Areas of Expertise

• Aerospace engineering

• Propulsion system design and testing

• Project management

• Technical problem-solving

• Effective collaboration and communication

Professional Impact

As a Co-Founder of the HBS Rock Summer Fellows - Founder's Forum at BEAM, Sara has demonstrated her leadership skills and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Through this initiative, she has helped create a platform for collaboration and networking among aspiring founders and industry leaders.

Conclusion

With her exceptional technical background, business acumen, and dedication to driving progress, Sara Ballantyne is poised to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry. Her pursuit of dual graduate degrees at Harvard University showcases her commitment to continued learning and growth, positioning her as a future leader in the field.