Arkansas’ principal industries are agriculture, business services, forestry, manufacturing, tourism, and transportation logistics. Additional interesting sectors include aerospace and aviation, biosciences, data, distribution and logistics services, firearms and ammunition, healthcare, paper and timber products, smart grid technologies, software development, data management services, and steel production.
The startup scene in Arkansas is booming. A strong talent pool, a growing number of incubators and accelerator programs, and available funding and incentives have created a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs of all types.
Facebook launches Career Connections program in Arkansas
January 29, 2020Facebook is investing in Arkansas by launching the Facebook Career Connections program across the state! Career Connections is a Facebook initiative that connects emerging talent to training opportunities, local internships, and a network of professional mentors. By curating a pipeline of career-ready college students from diverse backgrounds, Facebook Career Connections is helping local businesses remain competitive.
Student fellows are vetted by Facebook employees. Upon selection for the program, fellows participate in online and in-person Facebook training on digital marketing and social media. Each fellow is paired with a Facebook mentor who guides and supports them throughout the three-month program.
Once training is complete, local business partners are matched with fellows through an interview process. Facebook is seeking businesses to participate in Career Connections for the summer of 2020 that are:
- Looking to increase their digital media presence
- Actively expanding entry-level staff through a local talent pipeline
- Passionate about helping the next generation of local talent succeed
- Capable of nurturing and managing a paid intern over three months
Facebook will provide special benefits to Business Partners, including $500 in Facebook and Instagram ad credits, access to exclusive trainings, online recognition and much more. Participants will attend the Business Partner Kickoff Event to receive training on best practices and tools from Facebook that will enable companies to run a successful internship program.
Facebook piloted the program last summer with a select group of Arkansas businesses and students. Twenty-one students completed fellowships during the pilots, and 52% of fellows were invited to continue working with their Business Partner.
“We are passionate about retaining and investing in the state’s top talent, and Facebook’s Career Connections creates opportunities for students to get a first-hand look at the state’s leading career opportunities,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said.
“We are proud to have this initiative in Arkansas and are excited to see the new jobs created for motivated students entering the workforce.”
Applications are open through February 14 for Business Partners and Fellows.
