Description of Research Fellows Program

Department of Economics Description of Research Fellows Program Fall 2013

The Research Fellows Program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to gain experience applying economic knowledge to the production of market research valued by businesses. The program constitutes a “practice internship” - students can stay on campus but still get the opportunity to engage in research activity that they might do as an intern or an entry level employee working at a consulting firm. Entry into the program is competitive; only eight or nine students will be selected to participate in this inaugural version of the program. Students will work in small groups (2-3 per group) to gather macroeconomic and industry-specific data and other qualitative information, analyze that data and interpret the detailed information, and use findings to develop specific recommendations for simulated clients. Specific research topics may include accounts receivable management, revenue cycle management, and client relationship management. In addition to exploring a career option appropriate for economics majors, students who succeed in the program will get an enthusiastic letter of recommendation from a respected business executive and be well-positioned to draw on a network of business contacts.

To create and present this opportunity, the Department of Economics has partnered with Kaulkin Ginsberg, a leading local firm providing consulting services to other businesses, particularly on mergers and acquisitions in specific sectors of the economy. Mr. Mike Ginsberg, president and CEO, will supervise the students in conjunction with Dr. Cindy Clement, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department. The Economics Association of Maryland (EAM) is also helping to run the program. Students with questions about the program should contact Dr. Clement via email: [email protected]

Minimum qualifications for participation in the Research Fellows Program include:

 cumulative GPA at the University of Maryland of at least 3.25

 successful completion of ECON325 and ECON326

 coursework or other experience using Excel or Access or similar software  intention to graduate after December 2013

 availability to meet on campus Monday evenings 5:30 to 7:30

See next page for application. Department of Economics Application for Research Fellows Program Fall 2013

**Deadline to apply: Monday, September 23, 2013**

Personal Information: (Please make sure your responses are fully legible.)

Name: ______UID: ______

Email Address: ______

Primary phone number: ______GPA: ______

Double Major/Minor (if applicable) ______

By signing this application, you are indicating both willingness and ability to devote at least 6 hours a week from September 30 until November 27 to this extracurricular activity. Most Fellows meetings will take place on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 in Tydings 1108; you will carry out research activities on your own schedule during the rest of the week and report findings at meetings.

Signature: ______Date: ______

Application Materials Checklist:

____ Completed Application (this page)

____ Unofficial transcript (obtainable via a link found at Testudo ) ____ Essay explaining why you want to participate in this program and what skills you can contribute to the research activity. Essays must be a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 600 words typed, double spaced, in 12 point font.

Submit completed applications in person to Tydings 3108 or by email to [email protected] before 2:00 PM on September 23, 2013

***Incomplete applications will not be reviewed***