STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Meet Brooks Richardson, an incoming senior from Prosper, Texas who is majoring in
supply chain management. He is currently an AI and Data Science Intern in Chicago,
Illinois for FourKites, Inc. He is also involved on campus as President of ASCA (Arkansas
Supply Chain Association).
How did you secure your Summer internship especially in a competitive job market and
city like Chicago?
Last fall I traveled with some of our supply chain department faculty and fellow students
to CSCMP, a large industry conference in Orlando, Florida. I met some of the FourKites
team at their conference booth. After a great conversation with a few of the team
members, I maintained the relationship I made at the conference throughout the school
year. When we neared summer, I began talking to them about opportunities and that
led me to do my internship here!
How has your leadership position as president of Arkansas Supply Chain Association
prepared you for your internship and for future roles after graduation?
Being a leader in a student organization has been one of the most beneficial opportunities
I have had in my time here at Walton. Being surrounded by like minded students that
are determined and driven to succeed in the supply chain industry creates an amazing
environment for yourself to succeed. Going into my career and internship, I felt extremely
prepared to tackle complex problems and come with a wide range of knowledge I have
learned as a result of being president of ASCA.
What advice would you give to your freshman year self?
My advice to my freshman year self would be two things. One, experience as much as
possible. Case studies, school sponsored trips, industry events, and guest speaker
events can provide you with early exposure and knowledge about your industry. Getting
involved in this way can show you what your industry is like outside of the classroom.
Second, make relationships with your faculty. A lot of your professors have spent
a [significant] amount of time in the workforce in your field. Building these relationships
can open up endless opportunities for you and give you a wider network as you search
for jobs/internships.
Meghan Perry is the marketing and communications specialist for the Sam M. Walton
College of Business. She facilitates press releases, digital content and dean communications
to promote the work of the students, faculty and staff (always with a cup of coffee
or two in hand). 
