Patrick Fields '13 is currently interning
at the Arkansas Export Assistance Center
with Eric Johnson. By Rachel Thomas'14
CONWAY, Ark. (June 22, 2012) - Leigh Lassiter-Counts '01, internship coordinator for the Office of Career Services at Hendrix, has worked to help students find internships around the country and across the world, but Eric Johnson was one of a few internship providers to contact her and ask specifically for Hendrix students.
Johnson is an international trade specialist at the Arkansas Export Assistance Center, which helps companies from Arkansas export their products to other countries, navigate international markets and marketing, and find out where their products will sell best.
"He just contacted us and said 'I'm starting up this Arkansas Export Assistance Center with the U.S. Department of Commerce and I need some student interns'," Lassiter-Counts said. "I think it speaks well to us that he came to a liberal arts school, instead of going to a business school at a larger university. But he is a graduate of a liberal arts institution, so I think he kind of gets it."
The internship provides students a chance to "learn all about international business … right here in Little Rock," said Lassiter-Counts. It also gives students a chance to work within the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is a rare opportunity for an undergraduate, she added.
When asked what led him to reach out to Hendrix instead of a bigger university, Johnson explained that he liked the well-rounded nature of liberal arts students.
"Students from Hendrix are more well-rounded and have more life experience from which to draw upon in working for our commercial trade offices that promote export and foreign direct investment," Johnson said. "Hendrix students are better prepared with analytical reasoning skills that generally are more valued at liberal arts institutions."
He added that Hendrix students also tend to be better writers and so require less direct supervision.
Josh Graham '12 completed an internship with the Arkansas Export Assistance Center last year and has since moved on to work at the company Windstream on a leadership management track.
Patrick Fields '13 is currently interning with the center.
"I have a wide range of responsibilities at my internship," Fields said. "On one hand, I am expected to keep up with basic day-to-day operations such as answering the phone, replying to e-mails, and fulfilling a number of miscellaneous tasks to keep the office organized and streamlined. On the other hand, Eric regularly involves me in research for clients, as well as the planning and execution of important events such as Export University and the Governor's Awards. Such a diverse array of responsibilities has allowed me to stay engaged and interested throughout my time here."
Interns are expected to work hard and learn a lot from their experience, and Fields has found this to be true in his internship so far.
"In my opinion, extracurricular activities in a school setting can only go so far in preparing you for life after graduation," Fields said. "I view completing an internship as a way to bridge that gap and really get an idea for what will be expected of me in that ominous 'real world'."
"Not only does interning help develop specialized skills based on where you choose to work, but it also provides a student with general knowledge that will be useful no matter what career path is eventually chosen," he said. "For example, knowing how to conduct oneself in a professional manner and how to complete a task thoroughly and efficiently will always be essential in a work environment. Also, it is vitally important to realize that asking questions can only help you excel in the long run."
Fields first learned about the internship opportunity through Hendrix. He was interested because he plans to pursue a career in management after graduation.
"Eric came to Hendrix last fall and made a presentation about the U.S. Commercial Service and the internship opportunity that was available. Thanks to Career Services, we routinely have these sorts of visits; all we have to do is take advantage of them," Fields said. "I definitely see myself in a management position after Hendrix, so it has been invaluable to have the opportunity to learn from Eric and observe how he handles the various operations necessary to keep the office running smoothly."
"Eric and I have also had many conversations about what I might want to do after college and how to best prepare for the different career paths that I may take," he said. "Having a mentor to bounce ideas off of has been more helpful than I would have initially thought."
Johnson said he thinks Fields is going to be well-prepared for whatever field he eventually settles in.
"Patrick is well prepared to make decision on companies he wishes to work for or to establish his own company," Johnson said. "[He] has been an integral part of our USCS team since he joined in early April and has assisted with our Export University program, the Arkansas Governor's Export Awards, and with a multitude of clients. He is valued for his analytical insight, ability to round out our office staffing, and for demonstrating his commitment completing a successful internship. He also brings much needed humor to our office."
Fields said working in an office has been an important part of his internship experience.
"I have greatly enjoyed experiencing the reality of being in an office environment. While it's nothing as raucous as The Office, it is also a far-cry from Office Space," Fields said. "An office can be entertaining and cheery, while at the same time accomplishing a great deal each day. It's all about how you interact with your colleagues and the various personalities that are thrown in the mix. Just make the best of each situation...and make sure to never steal another man's red Swingline stapler."
To learn more about Career Services, visit their webpage. To find out what other Hendrix students have been doing during the summer, check out these Q&A's with Kathryn Powell and Rose Dubiskas. To learn more about the Arkansas Export Assistance Center and its services, visit its website.
Rachel Thomas '14 is an English studies major from Fayetteville, Ark.
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is a national leader in engaged liberal arts and sciences education. Hendrix was named the country's #1 "Up and Coming" liberal arts college for the third consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report. Hendrix is featured in the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review as one of the country's best 376 colleges and is listed in the 2012 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of 25 "Best Buy" private colleges included. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.