Braden Carr Builds Skills Through Summer Internship and Study Abroad in Scotland
Braden Carr, a junior at UA Little Rock, had a summer filled with professional development and international learning opportunities that are helping prepare him for a career in public service.
Carr, a Paragould native, is a double major in political science and criminal justice and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. This summer, he interned in the Little Rock office of U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., where he spent five weeks assisting with constituent services, writing letters, answering phone calls, and attending meetings with local leaders. He also accompanied staff members to community events across the state.
“I spent half of my time in the office and half of it out,” Carr said. “I would answer questions for constituents, help with casework, and go to meetings with mayors, state representatives, and different interest groups. My favorite part was meeting with members of the community and seeing the impact it makes. You don’t think about politicians going out and meeting with groups like Arkansas Disability Rights and hearing what their thoughts are on bills. Being able to help members of the community be heard was really meaningful.”
Carr said attending the Arkansas Rural Development Conference was one of his most memorable moments. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services, and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission host this conference so people can learn about programs and services available to assist rural communities and their leaders with development, planning, and revitalization efforts.
“It was my second day on the job, and I had a VIP lanyard,” he said. “It felt pretty special as an intern. I shadowed our field representative and took notes on the event.”
The internship gave Carr practical insight into how government functions at the local, state, and federal levels.
“I’ve learned how to interact with members of the community,” he said. “I want to serve the public, and this showed me how the public’s needs can be addressed by different levels of government. We’ve studied it in class but seeing it in action was really cool.”
Following his internship, Carr traveled abroad for a four-week summer program at the University of Stirling in Scotland, where he studied international relations and comparative criminal justice.
“It was interesting to see international relations taught from a European perspective,” Carr said. “It helped me to think creatively and critically and to consider things from a different point of view. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds was also helpful. I got over my culture shock pretty fast, and it was amazing to build friendships with people from around the world.”
Carr’s time abroad included field trips to St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, as well as a tour of a decommissioned nuclear bunker. He also went hiking in the mountains around Stirling and sampled traditional Scottish dishes.
“I really enjoyed haggis and fish and chips,” Carr said. “My professor would teach us a Scottish word of the day, which was fun. Their accent changes a lot depending on where you are in Scotland, and it was interesting to hear how much of the Scots language is still part of everyday life.”
Carr credits the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program for supporting him throughout the process.
“The Donaghey Scholars program was a huge help in all of this,” he said. “They helped me plan and get into the study abroad program, and they also provided a recommendation for my internship. They made both of these amazing opportunities possible.”
Carr, who plans to graduate in May 2027, hopes to pursue a career working in policy or political campaigns.
“This summer showed me that I’m on the right path,” he said. “I want to keep serving the public and making sure people’s voices are heard.”