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Lainey Morrow

Innovation Challenge 2 Winners Announced

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Congratulations to our Imagine Lab Innovation Challenge 2 winners: Savannah Conly, Grayson Pinson, and Veronica Bertolusso!

The competition launched early this fall, and this time students were challenged to select a day in September and tell us how to celebrate it in a big way. Using tools found in the Imagine Lab (3rd Floor of UCA’s College of Business), the competition winners designed a big-time celebration that, at the least, brings people together.

Many thanks to Stoby’s, a long-time Arkansas favorite, for contributing to our prizes for our first place winners!

See Related Article: Innovation Challenge Series at UCA: First Winners Announced!

First Place: Savannah Conly – ($100 value prize) + Stoby’s prize

Cinema day is a day all about relaxation, connecting with your friends and family, and having fun. By making this a National Holiday, it brings people together and allows them to enjoy something together. It caters to all ages, it brings people together, and creates a new market for a different spin on gift giving.

Second Place: Grayson Pinson ($50 value prize)

The Birth Day is a day where we recognize everyone’s birthday on one day. It doesn’t replace your actual birthday; instead, it is a day that we can all come together to commonly celebrate one day that we all love. It solves all gift-giving problems related to birthdays. We now have one centralized day that gifts can be expected rather than having to decide who you will gift a gift to on their actual birthday. It is a day I would personally also love to celebrate- it sounds very fun for everyone to have a birthday at the same time.

Third Place: Veronica Bertolusso ($25 value prize)

My proposed day of celebration is the International Student Day! It would be celebrated yearly on September 28. ISD will allow international students (and not!) to get together and appreciate all cultures from around the globe. During ISD international students will celebrated together throughout one big cookout where everyone will make their most loved Home meal and will later be followed by a karaoke night with song in each home language. ISD is celebrated during the first two weeks of Hispanic Heritage Month. However, many cultures not only aren’t celebrated well enough, but some of them are still unknown! ISD would help solve this issue and expand cultural knowledge to international students and not! And who doesn’t love a good cookout and karaoke night!

Congratulations to these winners. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next challenge on Monday, October 10!

Senior CIS Major Earns Full-time Job After Internship

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Senior Computer Information Systems major Aubrie Sinclair is set to earn her BBA in December, but even with all her hard work, she did not expect to secure a full-time job months before graduation.

After her summer Database Tester internship at Acxiom was extended into fall, Aubrie was surprised in mid-September with a full-time offer to join the company. She has accepted a position to be a Delivery Support Analyst after graduation.

Learn more about Aubrie’s success in her path to career development from her own words:

Why did you choose to major in business?

I chose to major in business on a whim, but I think what’s more important is why I stayed. I stayed majoring in business because of the amazing individuals I met when I changed my major; I stayed because my advisor in the COB encourages me and pushes me to be my very best, and right alongside him, my professors do the same. Majoring in business can be tough, but I wouldn’t want to struggle and succeed in any other major. The College of Business has given me endless opportunities to learn and grow in an environment that allows me to be surrounded by fellow peers and professors who have the same drive and passion as I have. Being a business major has made my time at UCA worthwhile.

Why did you choose this internship?

I chose this internship as a Database Tester at Acxiom because I saw it as an opportunity for growth with a company that I could see myself working for one day. The internship aligned with skills I had prior knowledge of, but it also grabbed my attention because it required me to expand my knowledge and pick up new skills along the way.

What did you learn at this internship?

At this internship, I learned a variety of skills. I learned very quickly that problem-solving and communication were going to be key in this career. Being a Database Tester required me to think outside of the box daily and pushed me to practice concise communication with both my co-workers and the client. I worked with SQL Database every day, and I enjoyed that I was exposed to hands-on experience with software that I have been taught at UCA.

How do you think this internship will be beneficial in your career?

Internships can be beneficial to students’ careers in many ways. It can show you what you do or don’t want out of a future job and help you grow in your skills. This internship allowed me to exercise the skills I already have and obtain new ones, and it allowed me to network with people who have experience in my future career field. I know this internship helped me me to grow as a student and a future businesswoman in technology. Ultimately, it helped me earn a full-time position with the company.

How do you plan to use your degree?

I have always planned to use my degree in Computer Information Systems and Analytics to work for a technology company that is focused on innovation and creativity. My eventual goal is to go into Business/Data Analytics, and I plan to pursue my master’s degree in Applied Data Analytics.

What advice do you have for students who may (or may not) be considering an internship?

My advice for anyone who is considering applying for or accepting an internship is – just go for it! I never thought I would land such an amazing internship, but I applied anyway and got an interview. The worst-case scenario might be that you get real-life experience filling out applications and interviewing for a company. Don’t let big companies and competitive interviews scare you off; believe in yourself, what you are capable of, and bring that to your interview because that’s what companies want to see.

21 Accounting Jobs – Apply ASAP

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On-Campus Interviews for After-graduation Jobs

Sign up for these interviews by the deadline using Handshake (each link is a separate application).

You must be selected by the employer and then sign up for an interview time.

Employer Interview Date Apply By After-grad Jobs (link to apply)
HJC CPAs Fri, Sep 16 Fri, Sep 15 Audit Staff

Tax Staff

Accounting Staff
Bell & Company Tue, Sep 20 Tue, Sep 13 Staff Accountant 1
Landmark Thu, Sep 22 Thu, Sep 15 Accounting Staff

Audit Staff

Tax Staff
Hogan Taylor Tue, Sep 27 Tue, Sep 20 Audit/Assurance Staff
FORVIS Thu, Sep 29 Thu, Sep 22 Audit Associate

Tax Associate
Frost, PLLC Virtual Sat, Oct 15 Tax Staff

Audit Staff

Bookkeeper (Part-time) & Controller (Part-time) • The Franchise CPA

Apply ASAP

Seeking an experienced bookkeeper to handle several clients bookkeeping needs timely, on an ongoing basis. We use Quickbooks desktop, (QBO might also be needed) in a cloud based setting. Hours are flexible and client base is growing quickly.

  • Job Type: Part-time
  • Salary: $30.00 – $35.00 per hour
  • Education: Associate or higher (Preferred)
  • Experience: 2 years (Required)
  • Work Location: Fully Remote

We also have some part time controller opportunities for an experienced person.

To apply: send resume to wbaker2@uca.edu

Accountant • Burton Eddington Jr CPA Inc. and Hulsey Capital Management (Heber Springs AR)

Apply by ASAP • Current Job Seekers and December Grads

We are a firm in Heber Springs that offers full service planning, trust and estate work, income tax and investment services to a select set of clients. We are looking for a CPA or CPA candidate who would like to join our companies. Our business model is to provide high quality services to a limited number of clients thus allowing us to provide greater customer service and higher firm value. From the accounting side, we provide monthly client services and year end reporting, plus personal and corporate income tax services for a wide range of businesses. On the investment side, we manage client’s funds to maximize investment returns and minimize where possible, the income tax consequences. We believe our blending of both tax and investment philosophies sets us apart from other firms that cannot offer both services in a complimentary fashion and timely. Candidates will need strong accounting and communication skills. Knowledge in QuickBooks and Ultra Tax software is preferred but not required. Our goal for the candidate is for them to interact directly with our clients thus strengthening the bond between our company and their business and family.

To apply: email me a resume at burted@suddenlinkmail.com.

Staff Accountant • Pinnacle Structures, Inc. (Cabot AR)

Apply Now • Current Job Seekers and December Grads

Pinnacle Structures, Inc. – Cabot, AR Manufacturing/Steel Building Systems and Components has an opening for a staff accountant. Duties include Customer billing, inventory/job costing, general accounting duties. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or similar field or a candidate with at least two years of general accounting experience with a background in manufacturing/construction accounting preferred.  This is an opportunity for someone looking to get a foot in the door of a great local company! Salary range $50k- $60k DOE. Excellent benefits including company paid health insurance and a generous 401K match.

To apply: Send your resume to VP Micah Bard (micah@pinnaclestructures.com) or CFO Matt Muller (mmuller@pinnaclestructures.com).

Audit Staff • EY Ernst & Young (Rogers AR and other locations)

Apply by Sep 22

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. To learn more about this position and other career opportunities with EY, visit Careers at EY (https://www.ey.com/en_us/careers).

Accountant and Tax Preparer • Kennedy & Company CPA (Hot Spring Village AR)

Apply by Sep 30

We are in search of a full-time accountant and tax preparer to add to our team! Ours is a small CPA firm in Hot Springs Village, and this multifaceted job offers a variety of work in a relaxed and flexible work environment. We are looking for a bright, personable, and adaptable person who wants to work in a self-directed, quick-paced, and casual atmosphere. This position has great growth and advancement opportunity! Training is provided but a proficient knowledge of accounting is required.

To Apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/5811972?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=a6290e55-99e9-4354-bf85-17d36157ec93

Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) • Internal Revenue Service (Various Locations)

Apply by Sep 30

Criminal Investigation (CI) is the law enforcement branch of the IRS. Our mission is to serve the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code, and related financial crimes, in a manner that fosters confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. As a Special Agent you will combine your accounting skills with law enforcement skills to investigate financial crimes. Special Agents are duly sworn law enforcement officers who are trained to “follow the money.” No matter what the source, all income earned, both legal and illegal, has the potential of becoming involved in crimes which fall within the investigative jurisdiction of the IRS Criminal Investigation. Because of the expertise required to conduct these complex financial investigations, IRS Special Agents are considered the premier financial investigators for the Federal government.

To apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/634575800

Accountant • Welspun (Little Rock Manufacturer)

Apply by Oct 31

We are looking for a dynamic Accountant to join our team in a manufacturing business that is global. This position will be onsite at our location in the Little Rock Port area. Successful candidate must be able to prioritize, be able to work on multiple projects and be a team player.

Job Summary: Handles general accounting functions including some or all of the following: processing of general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivables, and cash and bank accounting.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/6794797?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=a6290e55-99e9-4354-bf85-17d36157ec93

Staff Accountant • FCA CPAs (Little Rock)

Apply by Dec 31

Staff will be hands on in the role of preparing audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements, as well as prepare individual and business tax returns. The staff is expected to perform routine engagement procedures in a timely and professional manner. Individual must be able to meet assigned deadlines.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/4911722?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=a6290e55-99e9-4354-bf85-17d36157ec93

Auditor • Little Rock Airforce Base

Apply by May 31, 2023

The Air Force Audit Agency (AFAA) is looking for Full-Time Auditor, GS-0511-07 Target 12. This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree with 24 semester hours of accounting of which 6 hours can be in business law. Serve as an Auditor in a developmental capacity, performing assignments designed to further develop applicable analytical and evaluative skills and techniques. Perform continuing assignments involving the analysis of audit data, preparation of conclusions and recommendations, preparation and coordination of reports, and presentation of findings. Carries out special projects designed to facilitate the full use of and to further the auditor’s training and development.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/3508987?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=dce03314-3396-44b6-8f0d-3657e89ee890

Looking for more internships (all over the State and country)?

Posted in: PAST

27 Accounting Internships – Apply Now!

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On-Campus Interviews for Internships

Sign up for these interviews by the deadline using Handshake (each link is a separate application).

You must be selected by the employer and then sign up for an interview time.

Employer Interview Date Apply By Internships (link to apply)
HJC CPAs Fri, Sep 16 Fri, Sep 15 Audit/Tax/Acct (Spring 2023)
Erwin and Company Wed, Sep 21 Wed, Sep 14 Acct/Audit (Spring 2023)
Landmark Thu, Sep 22 Thu, Sep 15 Audit (Spring 2023)

Tax (Spring 2023)
Hogan Taylor Tue, Sep 27 Tue, Sep 20 Audit (Spring 2023)

Tax (Spring 2023)

Advisory (Spring 2023)

Tax (Summer 2023)

Audit (Summer 2023)

Advisory (Summer 2023)
FORVIS Thu, Sep 29 Thu, Sep 22 Tax (Spring 2023)

Audit (Spring 2023)

Tax (Summer 2023)

Audit (Summer 2023)
Frost, PLLC Virtual Sat, Oct 15 Audit (Spring 2023)

Tax (Spring 2023)

Tax Internship • ECG CPAs Advisors (El Dorado)

Apply by ASAP

Evers, Cox, & Gober in El Dorado, AR is looking for a UCA Bears to intern this Spring. The internship would be for tax, so it would start in January and would go through the end of April. The starting pay is $16, but it would be negotiable depending on experience. We can offer up to 40 hours a week, with possible overtime, depending on the interested candidate. We would like to have a junior or senior. This is an in-person internships with an expectation for you to be in El Dorado during the spring semester. If you are interested, be sure to talk to Dr. Watson and your advisor about online classes or internship credit during spring.

To apply: Email your resume to bcox@ecgcpa.com, with a CC to hrowan@ecgcpa.com.

 

Bookkeeper (Part-time) & Controller (Part-time) • The Franchise CPA

Apply ASAP

Seeking an experienced bookkeeper to handle several clients bookkeeping needs timely, on an ongoing basis. We use Quickbooks desktop, (QBO might also be needed) in a cloud based setting. Hours are flexible and client base is growing quickly.

  • Job Type: Part-time
  • Salary: $30.00 – $35.00 per hour
  • Education: Associate or higher (Preferred)
  • Experience: 2 years (Required)
  • Work Location: Fully Remote

We also have some part time controller opportunities for an experienced person.

To apply: send resume to wbaker2@uca.edu

Finance Internship • Garcia Wealth Management

Apply ASAP

Garcia Wealth Management has an intern opening. We are looking for a hard-working student who wants to grow in the finance world. The internship is in-person, paid, and up to 20 hours a week. The responsibility of the intern is to serve as the primary contact for customers and policy owners and

assist with work as needed. (see job description attached)

To apply: https://forms.gle/FSMrftmxSV7sxxfC9

Assurance/Audit or Tax Intern • EY Ernst & Young (Rogers AR and other locations)

Apply by Sep 22

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. To learn more about this position and other career opportunities with EY, visit Careers at EY

To apply:

Audit Internship • PricewaterhouseCoopers (Little Rock)

Apply by Sept 25

PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, is one of the Big4 Accounting firms (4 largest in the world). Their Little Rock office has opportunities for internships in the coming year. A career within External Audit services, will provide you with the opportunity to provide a range of Assurance services and business advice to a variety of clients from small, fast growing clients to large entities. Our clients are often well known brands and many have broad international reach. We focus on using the latest technology to reduce the level of manual testing ensuring you’ll focus on the most valuable areas of client service and on enhancing corporate governance and the reliability of our clients’ information.

To apply:

Finance and Accounting Leadership Program (Internship) • Windstream (Little Rock)

Apply by Sept 30

Windstream Finance and Accounting Leadership Interns achieve practical corporate business experience while interacting with professionals at all levels of the company and gain an outlook on future career paths. The internship program is a great source of full-time employment for candidates seeking to learn more about Windstream, our business, and career opportunities. Interns will receive mentoring throughout the program from members of the management team and/or members of the Windstream Leadership Program. The program also features a series of informative sessions with Windstream senior executives. Responsibilities will mirror those given to first-year accounting and finance professionals based on workgroup – including the analysis of monthly financial results, creating/booking journal entries, performing account reconciliations, handling of vendor collections and invoice processing and customer circuit quoting. Interns may also participate in the month-end close process, monthly financial reviews and operational field audits where they will have the opportunity to present results from their area of responsibility to management. Networking, training, job-shadowing, special projects, and team outings are also offered to all interns.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/6028725?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=b475a212-cfdc-49b0-a70f-21f0d6ccf2b4

Tax Internship • Acxiom (Conway or Remote)

Apply by Oct 7

The Tax Analyst Intern assists with preparation of tax returns and reports involved with federal, state, local, and other tax liabilities. You will develop knowledge of all tax laws affecting the company, assist with information gathering for tax audits, and meet all scheduled targets for projects. You will also be involved with tax implications of mergers and acquisitions or other structuring or special tax projects. The internship will begin January 9, 2023

Our intention is to have interns work on-site in Conway, Arkansas if possible. However, your internship could a hybrid or fully virtual 20-25 hours/week work dedication during the semester and up to 40/week during breaks and summer. Anticipated graduation date between August 2023- May 2024.

Applicants for this internship position with Acxiom in the U.S. must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States and with Acxiom (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (CPT/OPT), TN visa or any other non-immigrant status)

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/6877175?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=eb27bbc3-5eee-4f0b-880b-cf3c0aa1c9d1

Accounting Internship • EGP (Public Accounting, Heber Springs AR)

Apply by Oct 14

EGP PLLC is looking to add a Spring intern to our dynamic team of CPAs and Accounting Professionals in the beautiful location of Heber Springs, AR! We train our interns as we would any other professionals and you are treated as one as well. Great team of professionals willing to teach the right accounting student the ins and outs of the Public Accounting Industry. This is an awesome opportunity to see what happens behind the busy season scene while gaining a solid education in accounting, tax, and audit. There is no comparison in terms of leadership and culture than you will find at EGP. Not All Public Accounting is the Same.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/6986596?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=eb27bbc3-5eee-4f0b-880b-cf3c0aa1c9d1

Finance Co-op (Intern) • Dassault Falcon Jet (Little Rock Manufacturing)

Apply by Oct 31

Are you a fulltime Junior, Senior or higher status student here at UCA? Are you seeking a Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Analytics? Are you proficient with Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint? Do you have strong communication skills that will allow you to work with management of all levels and departments? If you answered yes to the questions above, we would like the opportunity to visit with you for the Finance Co-Op position. At Dassault Falcon Jet we want to mentor current students and help them to advance their career development in Accounting and Finance. In this role, you will support processes from data input and analysis, preparation of weekly and monthly reporting and research of accounting record exceptions.

Intern • FCA CPAs (Little Rock)

Apply by Dec 31

Staff will be hands on in the role of preparing audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements, as well as prepare individual and business tax returns. The staff is expected to perform routine engagement procedures in a timely and professional manner. Individual must be able to meet assigned deadlines.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/4911722?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=a6290e55-99e9-4354-bf85-17d36157ec93

Intern in Finance and Administration • Arkansas Repertory Theatre (Little Rock)

Apply by Mar 31, 2023

  • Fall (Approximately September – December) • Spring (Approximately January – May) • Summer (Approximately June – August)

The Rep’s Finance and Administration intern will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the following functions: accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, commercial and employee insurance, payroll, human resources and company management. Daily duties will include reviewing, obtaining appropriate approvals and entering accounts payable invoices, daily reconciliation of Spektrix (the Rep’s ticketing system and fundraising database) reports to credit card settlement reports and posting to the general ledger, reviewing, and posting credit card production expenses and reconciling to production tracking reports, if applicable. In addition, you will assist in various other activities such as reconciling concessions receipts and creating deposits for cash receipts, processing weekly payroll for artistic employees during productions, completing weekly Actor’s Equity reports, calculating weekly royalties from box office reports for productions, month-end closing and preparation of financial statements, as well as any other ad hoc projects that may arise for Finance and Administration and Company Management. The Finance and Administration intern will interact with every department in the company, so we are seeking an individual with excellent communication and organizational skills who is detail-oriented and is interested in learning more about all the financial aspects of the Theatre. This is a great internship for individuals pursuing business and finance, with a special interest in non-profit or small business operations.

To apply: https://uca.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/6784850?ref=open-in-new-tab&search_id=dce03314-3396-44b6-8f0d-3657e89ee890

Looking for more internships (all over the State and country)?

Posted in: PAST

STEM Career Opportunities – Career Fair Oct. 12

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Below are names and email addresses of some of the many employers who have signed up to attend the upcoming STEM Career Fair scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the Student Center, from 9 – 12.  E-mail these individuals a short note telling them you have interest in their organization and  that you look forward to meeting them at the career fair.  Attach a resume and cc kathyc@uca.edu.  This will allow you to start networking with employers early.  On the day of the career fair, when you visit with them, employers will recognize how proactive you are in pursuing employment with their organization.   Dr. Kathy Clayborn will follow up with them for you at the Career Fair, too.   A complete list of employers will be sent to you at a later date.

Acxiom Doneshia Boyd Doneshia.boyd@acxiom.com
ArcBest Amy Douglas adouglas@arcb.com
AR Blue Cross Blue Shield Maria Silva msilva@scheedu.org
CG Infinity DawnMarie Martin Dawn-marie.martin@cginfinity.com
Dillard’s Technology Samantha West-Septer itrecruiting@dillards.com
Euronet Software Solutions Laura O’Neal laoneal@euronetworldwide.com
First Orion Shane Taylor staylor@firstorion.com
Gainwell Technologies Karla DeFreitas defreitas@gainwelltechnologies.com
Hytrol Conveyor Co., Inc. Tammy Abdulghani tabulghani@hytrol.com
J.B. Hunt Transport Jason Alderson Jason.alderson@jbhunt.com
Little Rock Water Reclamation Karen Light Karen.light@lrwu.com
Metova Allison Nicholas allison.nicholas@metova.com
Palmetto Engineering Austin Shaw austin.shaw@palmettoeng.com
Southwest Power Pool Renee McMillen rmcmillen@spp.org
Windstream Communications Megan Mclean Megan.mclean@windstream.com

Innovation Challenge 2: Due October 2, 2022

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Feedback from all types of industries continues to speak to the desire for more creative, innovative, and problem-solving talent. COB has launched this challenge series to help students develop and exhibit their talents in innovation. Get ready to compete!

WHO: Any UCA student is welcome to enter this challenge whether you attend UCA online or in person.
WHAT: Imagine Lab Innovation Challenge 2: The Celebration Challenge
WHEN: Video submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
WHY: (1) Prizes. (2) Entry into Tournament of Champions. (3) Bragging rights on your resume.

For challenge 2, select a day in September and tell us how to celebrate it in a big way. Is it a gift-giving occasion? Are specific foods available? At a minimum, bring people together for a celebratory event with this challenge.

One option is to select an existing September day that you believe deserves more festivities (see NationalToday.com listings). Labor Day is one such day that is perhaps not celebrated to the magnitude of October’s Halloween. Another option is to create your own “day.” Either way, make it as grand as your favorite holiday. 

Using tools found in the Imagine Lab (3rd Floor of UCA’s College of Business), design a big-time celebration that brings people together. Then, make a video of yourself highlighting all the specifics. Upload that video to YouTube and share a link via this form. Please know that the video can be as long as you want, but only the first two (2) minutes will be viewed for prize consideration.

Prizes are gift cards valued at $100 for the best big day, $50 for second, and $25 for third. First prize gains entry into the Tournament of Champions set for November 16.

For on-campus students, the Imagine Lab has simple innovation tools available for use.  If students need Imagine Lab access or access to COB over the weekend, they can email mktgmgmt@uca.edu for more information.  For online students, accessing the Imagine Lab is not a requirement to participate.

Want to know more about the first challenge? Check out the competition.

Email for questions or details. Department of Marketing & Management: mktgmgmt@uca.edu 

Photo by Kym MacKinnon on unsplash.com

Innovation Challenge Series at UCA: First Winners Announced!

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See related post: Innovation Challenge Series Released at UCA

The first two winners of our new and exciting innovation challenge are Connor Tuttle and Savannah Conly! The competition launched in the COB Imagine Lab last week challenging students to design a suitcase that accommodates clean clothes at the beginning of a trip and dirty clothes during and at the end of a trip. Using tools found in the Imagine Lab (3rd Floor of UCA’s College of Business), the competition winners designed a suitcase that overcomes this core challenge.

Best-upgraded design – $100 value prize: Connor Tuttle

Many thanks to Stoby’s, a long-time Arkansas favorite, for contributing to our prizes for our first place winners!

In his submission, Connor said:
“Imagine a for-the-most-part normal ole’ suitcase, with a golden twist addressing an issue that has been around for decades! The fundamental design premise behind this suitcase is that down the middle of the main compartment there is a stretchy nylon divider that allows for different proportions of clothes to be held on either side depending on how far along you are on your trip! The front-facing section of the suitcase has the typical small, medium, and large compartment. The back, however, is also accessible for dealing with dirty laundry. Taking up approximately half of the top portion of the back-facing side will be a zipper compartment housing all of the tools necessary to temporarily deal with dirty laundry while on the go. Within the flap in the back, there is a mesh-like pocket to slide dryer sheets that have been folded twice right into the space to serve as a form of temporary air freshening.”

Second Place Design – $50 value prize: Savannah Conly

Savannah branded her suitcase and described her design as, “a suitcase designed to help keep you organized, from the beginning to end of a trip. With the detachable laundry bag, clothes rack, and hard shell, it is easier than ever to Rome more organized than ever before. Not only does it offer a way to keep your clean and dirty clothes separate, it offers an at-home closet feel, and you lose no space to pack.“

Stay tuned. The first challenge was for students, but we will be engaging other friends on and off campus this semester. Get ready to compete! Teams are welcome. Email for questions or details. And if you plan to compete in the next challenge, request access to the Imagine Lab now!

Department of Marketing & Management: mktgmgmt@uca.edu

Innovation Challenge Series at UCA: First Challenge Released!

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A new and exciting innovation challenge series is launching in the COB Imagine Lab! The first challenge deadline is September 16, 2022: The Suitcase Challenge. Prizes will be awarded for the best ideas.

For this challenge design a suitcase that accommodates clean clothes at the beginning of a trip and dirty clothes during and at the end of a trip. Said differently, design a suitcase for a whole trip, not just the start of a trip. Suitcases are in need of an upgrade. Some of the features like wheels, handles, and expandability are great, but a core challenge remains: mixing clean and dirty clothes at the travel destination.

Using tools found in the Imagine Lab (3rd Floor of UCA’s College of Business) design a suitcase that overcomes this core challenge. Then, make a video of yourself highlighting the features of your upgraded design. Upload that video to YouTube and share a link via this form. Please know that the video can be as long as you want, but only the first two (2) minutes will be viewed for prize consideration. Prizes are $100 for the best-upgraded design, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place.

Stay tuned. The first challenge is for students, but we will be engaging other friends on and off campus this semester. Get ready to compete! Teams are welcome. Email for questions or details.

Department of Marketing & Management: mktgmgmt@uca.edu

Accounting On-Campus Interviews for After-graduation Jobs – Apply by Sept. 12

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Sign up for these interviews by the deadline using Handshake (each link is a separate application).

You must be selected by the employer and then sign up for an interview time.

Employer Interview Date Apply By After-grad Jobs (link to apply)
HJC CPAs Fri, Sep 16 Fri, Sep 12 Audit Staff

Tax Staff

Accounting Staff
Bell & Company Tue, Sep 20 Tue, Sep 13 Staff Accountant 1
Landmark Thu, Sep 22 Thu, Sep 15 Accounting Staff

Audit Staff

Tax Staff
Hogan Taylor Tue, Sep 27 Tue, Sep 20 Audit/Assurance Staff
FORVIS Thu, Sep 29 Thu, Sep 22 Audit Associate

Tax Associate
Frost, PLLC Virtual Sat, Oct 15 Tax Staff

Audit Staff

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Dr. Mike Ellis Explains: How does data analytics affect you?

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Do you use spell check or autocomplete when you write? Have you ever gotten a recommendation for a TV show, movie, or product that turned out to be just what you wanted?

These helpful tools are made possible by analyzing past data to predict what should come next. It makes sense that if you enjoyed action movies in the past, you will probably like one tonight, right?

Generally, we refer to data analysis to support better decision-making as “data analytics.” That can involve better decisions on what comes next when you’re writing, which movie you might like to watch tonight, or many other decisions you make regularly. When we consider how data analytics works within the business world, we mean that data is used to discover ways to improve a business. Data analytics can assist in business decisions such as how best to order inventory, set prices, or identify our best customers.

One way to think of data analytics is as a range of options.

On one end, we have data science, the most technical branch of analytics. It typically requires advanced training in statistics and computer science, often in the form of a doctoral degree, and focuses on the theory and tools of analytics. At the other end, we have business people who want to make better decisions. They need some knowledge of analytical tools and techniques, but the business context is more important. It isn’t the tool but how it is used that really matters to this person. This end of the range is “applied data analytics.”

What gets the most attention in the media? Since October 2012, when the Harvard Business Review called “data scientist” the sexiest job of the 21st century, data science has been getting all the ink. But that overlooks an important issue: only a small fraction of companies have the resources they can dedicate to a proper data science effort.

Most small- to medium-sized companies (and a lot of big ones, too) need to find ways to get value from data inside accounting, finance, marketing, logistics, and other operational departments. The solution lies at the applied end of the data analytics range.

A knowledgeable analyst can discover hidden insights in data in many ways. Some are as simple as organizing and visualizing data. For example, say an air conditioning manufacturer is having problems with units arriving in one part of the country with cracked tubing. When looking at the shipping data for the damaged units, the manufacturer discovers that poor road conditions are causing huge jolts to the trucks carrying them, which leads to the cracks. With this discovery, the air conditioning manufacturer is able to upgrade the suspension systems used on those routes, and the expensive problem can be solved.

Because applied data analytics tools are a common solution to business problems, a career in data analysis is a wise choice.

At the UCA College of Business, we have undergraduate and graduate programs that teach the concepts and skills to prepare students to use applied data analytics. Students at the undergraduate level can get the same solid business foundation as our other programs while learning about analytical tools and techniques. Our technical certificate serves as a standalone credential for anyone who wants a foundation in data analytics to boost their career. The graduate-level programs are hands-on programs intended for working professionals and others who want to expand their skill set or are looking for a career change. The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics is an introduction to applied data analytics that can be completed alone or as part of the MAcc or MBA program. Our Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics takes the student deeper into analytics while keeping one foot firmly planted in the business world.

Building complex statistical models from scratch might be interesting, but it doesn’t provide value for most companies. If you are more interested in solving business puzzles than in creating fancy models, check out our programs. Or, if you are running a company with a huge amount of data and aren’t sure how to get value from it, keep your eyes open for one of our graduates!

About the Author

Mike Ellis

Dr. Michael Ellis is an Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) College of Business, where he has served since August 2014. He earned a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of Kansas; he also holds an MS in Management Information Systems from the University of Houston and an MS in Finance from Texas A&M University. Ellis teaches both undergraduate and graduate students and has numerous published scholarly works.