It was not a coincidence that Jarrion Harris and Delya Jackson ended up at the same place at the same time. Who would have known the path that led them here would lead them together? It all started on August 17, 2015 when the Greek organizations were assisting with freshman move in. Jarrion, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and Delya, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, posed for a picture that would be the start of their new journey.
A Jennette, Arkansas, native, Jarrion Harris is a graduating senior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff majoring in Industrial Technology Management and Applied Engineering. He entered the university receiving the Chancellor’s Full-Ride Scholarship for outstanding academics. Harris made the connection with the Office of Career Services as a freshman. As a result, he was able to obtain Cooperative Education experiences at The Strong Company in Pine Bluff, Arkansas as an Engineering Technician and at Lennox International Industries in Stuttgart, Arkansas as a Manufacturing Engineer. Cooperative Education experiences provide the opportunity for students to obtain hands-on experience in their field of study. These are paid opportunities whereby students can receive academic credit for the experience. Jarrion received outstanding ratings on his work performance at both locations and managed to maintain a 3.8 grade point average.
Delya Jackson, from Fort Worth, Texas, graduated Magna Cum Laude May 2016 from UAPB with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in management. She is currently enrolled in the Computer Science and Technology Master’s Program and is scheduled to graduate in December of 2017. She is also focused on academics and her future. She registered with the Office of Career Services as an undergraduate and participated in several office events. Though her matriculation was slightly different from Jarrion, it is proven that this journey has definitely paid off.
The next chapter of their lives has already begun. How nice is it to walk across the stage knowing that you are walking into your career? With the help of the Office of Career Services, they have both interviewed with several companies for permanent positions. One company in particular showed an interest in both of them. Even though Delya is not scheduled to graduate until December, she and Jarrion will begin working at Tyson in Springdale, Arkansas this month. Delya’s final project for the master’s program does not require her to attend class; therefore, she will be able to begin in her new position during the summer. Although they will have similar roles as Programming Application Analyst, they will be placed on different teams. Their combined annual salary range will be $100,000 – $120,000 per year with an additional sign on bonus within the $13,000 – $15,000 range. When asked about their future plans, they hope to advance to higher roles at Tyson and get married after Delya graduates.
Jarrion Harris and Delya Jackson thanks Career Services for their assistance and encourages all students to get registered with the office. For more information about Career Services, please stop by Caldwell Hall, Suite 202 or call (870) 575-8461.
