Brittany Hayles is the definition of an accomplished student. She has competed in beauty pageants, interned at Rolls Royce and is now a Community Assistant on York Hill.
I was honored to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with our Campus Celeb!
Major: Business Management
Minor: Computer Information Systems
Year: Junior
Hometown: Naugatuck, CT
What are some fun facts about yourself?
I love cooking! I’m always looking for new recipes! I also really love fashion, technology, and cars. My dream car is a black matte Audi R8 with red leather interior!
How and when did you start competing in pageants?
I’ve always wanted to be a model, but I’m nowhere near tall enough to do so. I remember watching the Miss Universe pageant and I was in complete awe of how beautiful the stage was and how incredible the women looked. I then told my mom that I wanted to compete, she eventually gave in, and I competed in pageants throughout my entire highschool career.
What was your biggest achievement while competing?
I’ve won many titles but the best pageant I ever did was the Miss Connecticut Teen USA pageant! It was an extremely tiring but fun weekend! I plan on competing for Miss Connecticut USA someday, or which ever state I’m living in!
From Miss Connecticut Teen USA to Rolls Royce intern. How did you land that internship?
I was looking for internships on a general internship site and I stumbled upon the Rolls-Royce application…which I didn’t think I had
a shot at getting. I got called in for an interview and a few days later they told me I got the internship!
How was the internship?
I spent a majority of my time in Indianapolis, Indiana where I was a Government Compliance and Purchasing intern at Rolls-Royce. I met so many great people who I am still in contact with almost every day, and I learned a lot about the corporate environment and what it takes to succeed in business.
What are some of the clubs/organizations that you’re involved in on campus?
I am currently secretary of the International Business Society, which I love because I am able to interact with many students and tell them what I’ve learned the past three years of being this university. I am also a member of WISH and ASU (African Student Union).
Tell us a little bit more about the new club you’re starting.
I am starting a women’s empowerment organization on campus that involves female students on campus helping one another to become better leaders and succeed in their ventures. My aim for the organization is to bring a group of women together who place a great emphasis on academics, community service and women empowerment.
Would you consider starting this club, stepping out of your comfort zone?
The female population is represented by more than half of student body. Starting this club isn’t necessarily pushing me out of my comfort zone, if anything I feel like it’s necessary. I am proud to be a feminist and I would love for other students to come out of their comfort zones and say the same.
On top of that, you’re also a Community Assistant! What made you want to be a CA and what do you enjoy most about it?
My major is Business Management which involves the management of not only a business but also people. The reason why I applied for the CA position is because I believed this position would be a perfect opportunity to gain experience in the management process. What I enjoy most about the position is how it is providing me the chance to see what kind of leader that I am, and the leadership qualities I need to improve on. I am extremely grateful for the position.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to start a new club?
There are bound to be bumps in the road, however you always have to remind yourself of why you’re starting the organization and how many people it could potentially help.