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Land in the Rock Program Helps Interns Connect, Plug Into City

2 min read

Create Little Rock is providing a way for interns, law clerks, medical residents and new hires to get plugged in and stay entertained during the summer through the annual Land in the Rock program.

According to program chair Chris Hancock, Land in the Rock was inspired by stories from interns, medical residents and law clerks who were in the city short term and left without having a meaningful connection to people and the area.

Hancock said that people who are just here for the summer and do not get tied into the community are less likely to accept jobs in the area.

“We have heard at the end of each summer series – we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from people who say they got tied in and made friends who they keep up with and it opened their eyes to what’s possible in greater Little Rock,” Hancock said.

Create Little Rock is the young professionals organization of the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

The free program kicks off on June 2 with a welcome party in the River Market Tower. Throughout the summer, events include an Arkansas Travelers baseball game; professional development lunch with Skip Rutherford, Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service; a Grande Maumelle Sailing Club outing and more.

A complete schedule of events is available here. The events are free, but most of them ask for an RSVP.

Hancock said local businesses should sign up to receive information about the program and encourage their interns and new employees to participate. On the website, there is a sign-up form for companies and another option for individuals. Companies can add their interns, clerks, new employees or medical residents to the e-mail list or forward information to them about the events.

Hancock said that, in the past, they have had several hundred participants in Land in the Rock. He also said participation from young professionals who are more permanently located in the area is key so that the summer visitors can network with people who are in the city to stay.

“The program is a benefit for our entire community regardless of age or industry when we try to retain the best and brightest,” Hancock said. “I think that something unique about Create Little Rock is that it’s extremely inclusive. It’s a valuable experience to meet people who are trying to build a career in an area that’s completely different from yours.”

Land in the Rock is completely free for participants due to a sponsorship from Apartment Hunters and assistance from the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

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