BIPOC Mentor Circle Series Initiated by Black Graduate Student Association

Warrenesha Arnold

As the fall semester gears up and planning for activities begins, the Black Graduate Student Association is organizing an important initiative: the BGSA BIPOC Mentor Circle series, co-sponsored by Sam's Club and Walmart. This program is designed to foster organic relationships between students at the U of A and provide crucial career-related guidance.

Program Overview

• Timeline: The program will span the academic year from September/October to April, with monthly sessions. Session dates will be sent to the selected cohort. The first three sessions will be from 4-5 p.m. on these dates:

  • Oct. 8
  • Nov. 5
  • Dec. 10

• Location: Sessions will be held at the Willard J. Walker Hall room 504. Register by Sept. 16.

• Mentorship Focus: This series will include meet-and-greet sessions, goal setting, routines for success, store/club tours, interview preparation, mock interviews and a home office tour. These interactions will be facilitated by Walmart executives and are designed to help students build real-life skills for transitioning into the workforce.

Core Objectives

• To share valuable career-related insights.

• To create awareness of job opportunities at Walmart & Sam's Club.

• To establish a new recruitment pipeline for internships and entry-level roles in merchandising and other corporate areas.

• To enhance the long-term professional development of BIPOC students as they transition into the workforce.

Participants will be selected through an application process. Applicants are encouraged to share this opportunity within their networks. Apply here by Sept. 16.

This initiative is a tremendous resource for the professional development of BIPOC students and the campus community. 

Contact Ndotimi Apulu at napulu@uark.edu for additional information.