Baily Eberhardt '23 - M.S. in Business Alumni Spotlight

Q&A with Baily (Paul) Eberhardt ‘23

Growing up in Gig Harbor, Washington, Baily transferred to Linfield in 2019 to continue her education in the Pacific Northwest. She earned a degree in sport management while balancing athletics and, after graduating in 2022, took a leap of faith by joining Linfield’s second-ever cohort of M.S. in business students.

Why did you choose Linfield?

I chose Linfield because it offered the perfect combination of academic and athletic opportunities. The small, supportive class sizes allowed me to connect with professors and classmates on a deeper level, creating a personalized and engaging learning environment. Linfield also provided excellent professional opportunities that helped me grow personally and academically.

How did the M.S. in business program help you develop professionally?

My experience in Linfield’s M.S. in business program was invaluable for my professional growth. My classmates and professors challenged me to think critically and approach problems from different perspectives. The collaborative environment broadened my understanding of business and leadership, and the case studies, hands-on experiences and practical applications prepared me to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

What has been your career path since graduating?

Shortly after earning my master's degree, I was hired by Oatman Farms, a mission-driven company dedicated to supplying Arizona with Regenerative Organic wheat flour. It was the perfect first step in my career, offering a meaningful role while also providing the flexibility to move as needed—something important since my boyfriend, now husband, was on the path to becoming an Air Force pilot.

I loved my two years with Oatman, but as a military spouse facing frequent relocations, my hybrid role eventually became fully remote. After our third move in under a year, it became difficult to stay connected to such a community-driven organization from a distance. That’s when I found First Command.

First Command is a full-service financial planning company specializing in serving military members and their families. From the moment I discovered the role, it felt like it was meant to be. The company offers the career growth and challenges I’ve always aspired to, while also understanding and accommodating the military lifestyle. I’m currently working through the licensing process to become a fully certified financial advisor in Del Rio, Texas, where we are currently stationed.

What does it take to succeed in financial advising?

Successful financial advisors share key attributes such as strong interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain relationships, effective communication to explain complex concepts clearly, and strong time management to balance client meetings, research, and tasks. Persistence, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset help navigate challenges, while a passion for helping others and building long-term relationships truly sets the best advisors apart.

Advice for current and future M.S. in business students?

Take full advantage of everything the program offers. Attend events—you’ll be surprised how much you can learn and who you’ll meet. Networking is key, so connect with classmates, professors and guest speakers; these relationships can open doors you never imagined. Dive in headfirst, embrace every challenge, and stay engaged. The more you put into the experience, the more you’ll gain, both personally and professionally.