Name: Dasiah Williams
Major: Entrepreneurial Finance
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Bearden, AR
Please tell us about your future plans once you graduate from Southern Arkansas University.
After graduation, I will earn my cosmetology and barber license in Texas while pursuing an MS in Cosmetic Science. I currently work as a full-time hairstylist and small business owner, and one day, I will own my own salon/barber shop and develop a cosmetic line specifically for all things beauty. Pursuing my BBA in entrepreneurial finance allowed me to gain a different perspective on what and how entrepreneurs finance and build a business. This type of resource will help me establish more knowledge and fund my business to reach my goal of becoming an entrepreneur for many companies. I have always had the urge to improve the quality of life for consumers, express my creativity, and make a difference in the beauty industry.
How are your experiences in the Rankin College of Business preparing you for your professional career?
The Rankin College of Business has given me ample opportunities to jumpstart my business career by providing me with encouraging and supportive professors to help guide the way and numerous resources to expand my business expertise. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center has helped me in every aspect of starting, managing, and operating my business.
What specific courses have been your favorite, and why?
Ms. Givens’ Statistics 1 & 2 courses have been my favorite courses. I’ve always had a niche for numbers. However, I did not think I would be so interested in how somebody constructed sampling data. Understanding how to analyze, interpret and present data to uncover differences in patterns and trends will benefit my business career in more ways than one. This course unlocked an interest that will allow me to think about what is displayed, how to break it down and figure out what is causing it or has a correlation between the variables that can interpret a broader statistical answer for the researcher.
Do you have any favorite memories with Rankin College of Business faculty or fellow students?
Yes. The Spring Induction Ceremony for the Rankin College of Business. I was so honored to be recognized for all my hard work. I was able to meet, greet and take pictures with students and faculty, who helped mold me into the student I am today.
Tell us about your internship and how it has influenced you or your future career.
This summer, I am interning for Arvest Bank in Northwest Arkansas in the Information Security department. I want to add that this is my first internship and being a part of Corporate America. This experience has given me the advantage of viewing a wide variety of departments that are working within the bank, understanding the culture and history, and the introduction to a different world (IT). My internship influenced me to be more productive while balancing a 9-5 job, networking with individuals in other departments, learning in-depth how they contribute to the bank, challenging my abilities, learning more about technology and data, and detecting malicious indicators when incidents occur. I believe the things I am learning during my internship will prepare me for my future career. I will be able to have excellent time management and communication skills, test my strengths and weaknesses, be professionally skilled in Excel, and detect data breaches and suspicious activity.
What advice would you offer to a new student beginning their course of study at the Rankin College of Business?
I would motivate new students to take advantage of every opportunity and event within the Rankin College of Business. Get to know your professors; do not hesitate to ask for help. Also, be optimistic and open-minded, and use the resources the RCB provides.
