More than a résumé

Curious by nature.
Practical by experience.

I’m Connor Rodes—a University of Arkansas student who enjoys understanding how things work, finding ways to make them better, and turning ideas into useful tools.

Illustration of Connor outdoors with his dog beside a grill

A personal illustration · A few of my favorite things

My Story

Learning in class.
Learning on the job.

I’m based in Rogers and Fayetteville, Arkansas, and I’m studying Information Systems at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. My concentration is Artificial Intelligence, with a minor in Marketing and an expected graduation date of May 2027. I currently have a 3.2 GPA.

Restaurant work has shaped the way I approach technology. From online orders and catering to event concessions, I’ve seen how important clear communication and dependable processes are when things get busy.

Now I’m exploring how to connect that experience with what I’m learning in class. Ember Log is one example: a prototype that grew out of a familiar kitchen task. I use AI as a collaborator, then keep asking whether the result would actually be useful.

How I Think

Start with the real problem.

The best technology begins by understanding the people and workflow it needs to support.

How I Work

Stay curious and keep testing.

I like learning new tools, comparing approaches, and improving ideas through practical experimentation.

What I Value

Useful beats complicated.

I aim for clear, dependable solutions that make sense to the people who actually use them.

Outside Work and School

Fresh air.
Something on the grill.
A little time to reset.

When I’m not in class or at work, I like getting outside with my dog, cooking on the grill, and spending time at the lake. Those are the things that help me slow down and recharge.

I also genuinely enjoy exploring emerging AI tools. Sometimes it’s for a project; sometimes I just want to try a new idea and see what I can make.

Connect with me on LinkedIn ↗

Curious by nature.Practical by experience.