A 2017 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is starting the next chapter of his life as a research assistant at Harvard University.

Nicholas Williams, who graduated from Bowen’s joint program with the Clinton School of Public Service, saw the new position as a logical step to gain valuable research experience while studying to take the bar.

How did you get from Bowen to Harvard?

While my path to Harvard was unplanned, I knew I would end up here as either a student or researcher one day. After graduating from Bowen, I moved to Massachusetts to be with my spouse, who is a resident physician at a nearby hospital.

I knew that I needed a break before taking the bar exam, because I had worked and attended school full-time, including every summer and winter intersession, since 2008. I started working on my MBA the Monday following graduation from my undergraduate program. I finished the two-year MBA program in one year, and I started law school a week after graduating with my MBA.

During summer and winter breaks, I clerked for various firms and worked for Marriott. So, after attending school full-time and working for nine years with no breaks, I chose to take a sabbatical and delay taking the bar exam until February. My desire to rest quickly turned to boredom, and I began looking for intellectually stimulating work that would allow me to study for the bar exam.

I applied to several positions at law firms and various schools. To my surprise, Harvard offered me the opportunity to interview. I asked my mentors to review my resume and help me prepare. I interviewed with several professors, and I was selected to work with a professor who teaches at Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Was there a mentor who helped you along the way?

Several mentors helped me by reviewing my resume and offering interview advice. However, I firmly believe that advice from Professor Frances Fendler (at the Bowen School of Law) and Dr. Warigia Bowman (at the Clinton School of Public Service) helped me secure this position. I owe them both a great deal of gratitude.

Was there a class or experience that, combined with all your hard work, helped you stand out?

I’m not sure what made me stand out in the interview process, especially in a field of scholars from Ivy League schools. Harvard appears to strive for inclusiveness of people from different walks of life. And I think that, as an Arkansan, I brought a unique perspective, which is valued at Harvard.

While in law school, I worked as a judicial extern with U.S. District Court Judge Price Marshall Jr. Judge Marshall is a brilliant jurist who taught me several valuable lessons that have helped me immeasurably at Harvard. In addition, my work as articles editor of the UA Little Rock Law Review and my international legal experience undoubtedly helped me prepare for this position.

However, I think Professor Fendler and Dr. Bowman’s advice helped me level the playing field in the interview. Moreover, approaching this opportunity with humility and an open mind certainly didn’t hurt.

Are you pursuing another degree at Harvard?

With two master’s degrees and a J.D., I’m not pursuing another degree at Harvard. But, I’m not foreclosing that possibility.

What are you looking forward to the most?

For now, I’m looking forward to using this incredible opportunity to produce excellent work product and building strong relationships within the Harvard community and the greater Boston area before returning to Arkansas in 2019.