By Gwen Green (gagreen@ualr.edu)
Sept. 20, 2010
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Graduate assistants at the ASBTDC Lead Center work directly with the public, gaining practical real-world exposure to small business ownership and management by answering calls, responding to information and research requests, registering seminar participants and consulting with small business clients. ASBTDC expects all GAs to spend at least half their time - 10 hours a week or more - assisting clients.
"I love the fact that we get to interact with different people, rather than just looking at computer screens, and help them attain their dreams of succeeding in their businesses," said Pradeep Sapkota, a GA in his second semester at ASBTDC.
"When people walk into the ASBTDC office, most of the time they do not know what to expect. Graduate assistants meet with these individuals and explain the services we offer," said Sapkota. "The clients ask questions about financing options, marketing strategies, business licensing, legal structures, business plans, and others."
A native of Nepal, Sapkota came to the U.S. in 2004. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Southern Arkansas University in 2008. After working a year for a Dallas accounting firm, Pradeep decided to go to graduate school and learned of UALR's Master of Accountancy program. He is pursuing the Master of Accountancy degree and a graduate certification in taxation and will graduate in December.
First-semester GA Liz Russell of Little Rock says small business is "hardwired into my DNA," having grown up with parents and extended family members who owned their own businesses. The former co-owner and operator of a book publishing company enrolled in the UALR MBA program this fall to expand her general business knowledge after working in a single industry for several years. "The experience I'm gaining at the ASBTDC is amazing," she said. "It's helping me connect the dots between what I'm learning in the classroom, my own experience as a small business owner, and my own curiosity about the challenges that face different types of businesses."
Other new GAs are Apurva Vyas and Kayla New. Deborah Johnson and Leah Kirkpatrick, who are in their final semester, round out the ASBTDC's GA corps.
"Our graduate assistants are very important to the ASBTDC," said Heather Robinette, consulting and market research manager. "We have very bright students who play an important role in assisting small business owners. They also gain real world experience which will help them as they pursue their careers."
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