An ongoing partnership with the Pulaski Conservation District gave seven UA Little Rock students the opportunity to participate in 15-week paid internships this summer.
These students interned at UA Little Rock Campus Garden, Urban Patchwork, and Oak Forest Community Garden.
“I am currently on my second contract with Pulaski Conservation District and work at the Urban Patchwork Garden where I get to work with chickens,” said Megan Ruth Wilkins, a graduate student studying conflict management. “Along with nearly two dozen adult hens, there are plenty of feathers in my day…I help with the transport of the chickens to new homes, other community gardens, as well as our neighbors’ backyards.”
In 2023, the Pulaski Conservation District offered grant funding to support University Career Services’ existing internship program and to support community workshops in fall 2023 hosted by UA Little Rock’s Extended Education.
This summer, the seven students were placed at internship sites using Handshake, UA Little Rock’s online recruiting platform.
“In the past, I’ve used apps and websites like Indeed or even Facebook to find jobs,” said Audra Coffman, a biology major and intern at UA Little Rock Campus Garden. “They are riddled with scams, vague descriptions, and just all around difficult user interfaces. Handshake notified me whenever the garden application was live due to my preferences. I love the settings you’re able to apply and the reputable employers you find.”
The partnership affords students the opportunity to receive hands-on learning in fields of their interest while also being compensated for their work.
“It’s been my favorite job to date, and even though it’s hard work at times, I get to do so many cool things and learn a lot along the way,” Coffman said. “I even get to express my creative side with painting signs and designing logos.”
Every student at UA Little Rock has access to Handshake and can sign up for an account online. With Handshake, students can schedule interviews, sign up for career fairs, and receive personalized job recommendations.
“University Career Services uses Handshake to provide safe and equitable job opportunities for UA Little Rock students,” said University Career Services Director Brittany Straw. “We approved over 45,071 jobs for 13,274 employers last year and are pleased to use Handshake as a resource for the Pulaski Conservation District.”
For additional information regarding internship opportunities or Handshake, contact University Career Services at careers@ualr.edu or 501-916-3021.