Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Career Center Events!

How to Find an Internship Workshop
 
Tuesday, November 05, 2013 • 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
University Career Center & The President's Promise
3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing
 
Not sure where to start with your internship search? Or, do you feel like you're at a standstill and unsure about the next steps in your search? Just using Google will not find you an internship!
 
To help you with your internship search, we will discuss:
  • Specific resources available to research internship opportunities in non-profit, government and corporate sectors
  • Quick tips on making a positive first impression on resumes and during interviews
  • Strategies to connect with UMD alumni working within your intended career field 

 RSVP for this event: Click here

Industry Networking Series: Careers & Internships in Quantitative and Analytical Careers

Wednesday, October 30, 2013 • 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
University Career Center & The President's Promise
3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Interested in a career using quantitative or analytical skills ? Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from and network directly with professionals in the field. The first hour is a panel discussion followed by an hour of informal socializing and networking.

Panelists represent organizations such as:

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Federal Trade Commission - Gallup - GEICO

For more information: Click Here

International Internships Panel: Student Perspectives


Monday, November 18, 2013 • 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: University Career Center & The President's Promise (3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing)

Event Details:

Interested in interning abroad? Curious to learn more about the options that exist? Hear from a panel of current UMD students who have gained valuable experience through internships in other countries.

Student panelists include:

  • Mackenzie Burnett, UK Parliament, United Kingdom
  • Courtni Berry, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tanzania
  • Carrie Hildebrandt, House of Grace & Center for Democracy and Community, Israel
  • Alexander Pryor, International Student Conferences, Inc, South Korea
  • Nyana Quashie, Social Entrepreneur Corps, Nicaragua

Lunch provided!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Peggy Rae & John Sapienza Scholarship


The Economics Department is excited to announce the immediate availability of the Peggy Rae & John Sapienza Scholarship.  Peggy Rae is a 1968 graduate of the Economics Department who went on to work for the US Department of Labor.  She, along with her husband John, have recently announced this $10,000 scholarship that is intended to facilitate the education of a hardworking student and encourage him/her toward graduation.  The winner will be announced just before the Thanksgiving break and awarded $5,000 by early December towards their Fall 2013 tuition/fees and another $5,000 in January for Spring 2014.  **Scholarship money will be applied directly to the recipient’s UMD student account.   

Scholarship Qualifications

Students are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA at University of Maryland College Park
  • Junior or senior economics student in his/her last one to two years of undergraduate study
  •   May not graduate before May 2014
  • Must be a full-time, degree seeking student
  • A declared economics major prior to September 16, 2013
  • At least 12 credits of ECON courses completed
  • In good judicial standing
  • Recipient should be doing something to help finance his/her college education, such as part-time employment, etc
*New students (incoming freshmen and transfers) entering UMCP during the Fall 2013 semester may not apply since previous UMCP grades will be used in the review process

To Apply

Complete an application and submit it along with ALL of the following:

  • A current University of Maryland College Park transcript (an unofficial is acceptable and available on Testudo)
  • If available, include a copy of your most recent financial aid offer letter (available on Testudo under “Financials” and then “Financial Aid Inquiry”)
  • Updated resume
  • Essay (see below for more information)
Scholarship Essay Question & Instructions

Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 1000 words typed, double spaced, in 12 point font.

Answer the following question:  How have you financed your college education thus far, and how will a scholarship of $10K impact your behavior for the rest of this year?

Applications are due by 4:30pm on Monday Nov. 4th. They may be dropped off to the ECON Advising Office in 3108 Tydings Hall or emailed to scholarships@econ.umd.edu. If emailed, the application and all supporting documents must be scanned and saved as one PDF file.   **Incomplete applications or those sent as multiple files will NOT BE REVIEWED.
 
 

U.S. Statistical Agencies Informational Symposium

Two-day event will spotlight federal data, statistical resources & career opportunities

WASHINGTON, DC, October 24, 2013—Representatives from each of the federal government’s 14 principal statistical agencies are hosting a symposium next month in Washington that will highlight the variety of federal statistics and the numerous statistical careers available in the public sector.

The Symposium of the U.S. Statistical Agencies, which is part of the celebration of the International Year of Statistics, will be held November 13 and 14 at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Conference Center.

Open to all without cost, the two-day symposium will allow attendees to learn about federal statistical agencies, the range of statistics each produces and how to pursue a career as a government statistician.

“The Symposium of the U.S. Statistical Agencies will give attendees the opportunity to learn—in one place—about the valuable statistics and statistical services available from many federal statistical agencies,” says Ronald L. Wasserstein, executive director of the American Statistical Association, whose organization is supporting the event. “These statistics help all Americans understand current developments in our country and are indispensable to providing insightful information that helps our elected leaders plan for the future.

“We invite anyone with an interest or a stake in statistics—including econometrics, demography, health, agriculture, energy and transportation—to attend the symposium,” continues Wasserstein.

The Symposium of the U.S. Statistical Agencies will be divided into five sessions targeted to different audiences and users of federal statistics and data products. Representatives of various federal statistical agencies will present during the five sessions. Each session is open to all attendees.

The date, time and a summary of each informational session follow:

Career Discovery Zone Workshops

Stressed out about a major or your future career? Do you need to choose or change your major? Find a career direction after you graduate? Need an internship, but don't know what kind of internship to look for? If you have these and/or other career questions, Career Discovery Zone is for you. CDZ will meet every Weds for the next 4 weeks--no advance registration needed, just show up. You can come to one or all workshops. This week we will help you discover how your interests connect with careers and college majors. Don’t let your stress build; act now -- GET IN THE ZONE, the CAREER DISCOVERY ZONE!

Wednesdays, 3:00-4:30 pm
Shoemaker Building
1st Floor Reception

Wednesday, October 30th- Uncovering the Importance of Values
Wednesday, November 6th- Managing Invisible Career Barriers: Stress, fear, and other Emotions
Wednesday, November 13th- Making Career Decisions Now and in the Future

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

World Bank - Undergraduate Research Assistant

The Infrastructure Policy Unit at the World Bank is carrying out a study to estimate the Infrastructure Investment needs worldwide and we are looking for a short term consultant (ideally an economic student but any social science will work) who has experience working with large databases (Excel is a must and Stata is a plus) to help us to update the current database that includes data on infrastructure connectivity indicators (mainly from World Development Indicators). The work involves working part time for 20 days including a few days at the World Bank to have access to the data. The consultant should be available to start immediately.

If interested please send your CV to Fernanda Ruiz Nuñez at fruiznunez@worldbank.org

Monday, October 21, 2013

Research Participants Needed: Earn extra cash while helping out another campus department!


Paid study for Persian/Mandarin/Russian

Do you speak Mandarin Chinese, Persian/Farsi, or Russian, either natively or as a learner? The University of Maryland Center for Advanced Study of Language is recruiting advanced leaners and native speakers of these languages to participate in a language study. The goal of the project is to identify which aspects of these languages speakers at your proficiency level typically already know, and which aspects they still have difficulty with.

For the study, you will be asked to take several tests looking at your language abilities. All tests will be remotely administered, meaning you can take them at a time and location of your convenience.

For full participation, you will earn $40. Learners will also receive official proficiency scores with a certificate.

To participate, you must be:

An advanced learner (at least four semesters of post-high school foreign language study) of either Persian, Mandarin, or Russian and be a native speaker of English

OR

A native speaker of Persian, Mandarin, or Russian (must be able to read in English).

For more information about this study, contact:
Nick Pandza, npandza@casl.umd.edu

*****************************************************************
Participate in Asian American Alcohol Use Study! Earn a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Description:
Participation involves completing a 30-45 minutes online survey on a secure website.

Eligibility to participate in this study:
- 18 years of age and older
- An undergraduate currently enrolled in the University of Maryland, College Park
- An Asian American who was born in the United States
- Past experience in drinking is not required to participate

 Compensation:
Participation in the study offers a chance to enter a raffle to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card (about 1 in 33 chance to win).

For more information, please contact the following e-mail address: aaaustudy@gmail.com
 
Miji Um
UMD Psychology Department

Friday, October 18, 2013

Interested in grad school? Curious about new courses on the spring schedule?


Are you interested in pursuing graduate school in economics? Unsure what you need to do to be prepared? Undecided on which classes to take in the spring semester? Not sure which courses will prepare you for your desired career after college?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, don’t miss this event!

On Thursday, October 24th, The Economics Association of Maryland (EAM) will be hosting Dr. Cindy Clement, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Economics. Dr. Clement will begin by talking about possible graduate school opportunities available to Economics majors. Afterwards, she will be discussing the ECON course offerings for the Spring 2014 semester which includes several brand new courses and some classes that have not been offered in recent semesters.

WHEN: Thursday Oct. 24th
WHERE: 0102 Francis Scott Key Hall (KEY)
TIME: 6:30pm – Grad School Opportunities
            7:30pm – Spring Schedule of Classes


If you have any questions please email econcp@gmail.com.
-EAM Executive Board

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Hamilton Project - Improving College Outcomes

Improving College Outcomes: A Modern Approach to Financing Higher Education
A Hamilton Project Policy Forum
Monday October 21, 2013, 1:00 - 4:30 pm
The National Press Club Ballroom, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20045
 
On October 21st The Hamilton Project at Brookings will host a forum focusing on the evolving role of higher education in American society and release three new policy proposals by outside experts on how changes in student lending and financial-aid policies can help improve college outcomes. Thought leaders in higher education from around the country will join the discussion, including Vassar College President Catharine Bond Hill; University of Texas Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa; LaGuardia Community College President Gail Mellow; University of North Carolina President Thomas Ross; Wesleyan University President Michael Roth; and Brookings’ Brown Center on Education Policy Director Grover “Russ” Whitehurst.
 
Two roundtable discussions will focus on the new policy proposals addressing ways to strengthen the Pell Grant program to meet the needs of a modern economy, reform the federal student loan repayment system, and expand the availability of information on the “net” vs. “sticker” price of attending college. The final panel, moderated by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin, will address key questions currently facing policymakers: How should education policymakers and administrators weigh economic considerations, like the employment opportunities and incomes of graduates, relative to other goals of a liberal arts education? Given the growing diversity of higher-education students and the institutions they attend—ranging from select liberal arts colleges to state university systems to vocationally-oriented community colleges—how can federal policy accommodate the varying goals of these institutions and their students? Following each panel, the participants will take audience questions.
 
To RSVP for the event, please click here.

Stanford Law School - Research Fellow

Commitment: Full-time, starting Summer 2014. Fellowships last for one year, with an option to renew for a second year by mutual agreement of the professor and the fellow. 
 
Description: Assist with the research of Professor John J. Donohue at Stanford Law School. This is an excellent opportunity for those considering graduate school and/or law school in the future. 
 
Prior Research Fellows have matriculated to Ph.D. programs at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and MIT and law school at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia. They have been drawn from diverse academic backgrounds, including economics, political science, history, applied math, public policy, statistics, and computer science. 
 
As full-time Stanford University employees, fellows will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including full medical and dental insurance, access to campus athletic and academic facilities, paid vacation time, professional development funds, and the capacity to audit Stanford courses and attend on-campus lectures and seminars free of charge. 
 
Job responsibilities involve all aspects of the research process including: 
 
  • Conceptualization of suitable empirical methodologies and models. 
  • Collecting, managing, and structuring quantitative datasets. 
  • Statistical analyses of complex datasets and interpretation of results. 
  • Communication with government officials, industry stakeholders, and research collaborators. 
  • Reviewing and contributing to the writing of academic publications and other policy reports. 
  • Supporting teaching activities, when appropriate. 
 
Job qualifications:
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, mathematics, or another relevant field preferred.
  • Outstanding academic credentials and intellectual creativity.
  • Must be organized and highly detail-oriented.
  • Eagerness to take initiative and solve intricate problems.
  • Excellent time-management skills and ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and within a team.
  • Prior experience with quantitative data analysis, statistics, or econometrics.
  • Experience with statistical software such as Stata, SAS, R, or SPSS.
  • Exceptional research and analytical writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must have an interest in law, policy, and economics.
 
How to apply:  The deadline for applications is 11:59PM PST on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please note this position is not visa sponsorship eligible, but applicants with OPT are eligible for this position. To apply, please do both of the following:
 
(1) Send a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and at least two references with contact information via email to donohue.fellows@law.stanford.edu. In your cover letter, please include specific details about your research skills and experiences. Be sure to list any statistical software packages (Stata, R, SAS, etc.) with which you are familiar. Questions from prospective applicants are welcome.
 
(2) Submit your resume online via the Stanford jobs website http://jobs.stanford.edu/find_a_job.html - enter the job number 61055 in the keyword search field to locate this job posting and apply.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Challenge Your Perspectives – The Swedish Scholarship Awards 2014


Two winners will be awarded with full tuition waivers for Master’s of Science programs at two prestigious Swedish universities: Stockholm University and Lund University.

What you have to do: Sign up and complete the online competition – this includes: • Answering multiple choice questions • Answering a short essay question • Writing a motivational statement

What you can win:

• Full tuition fee waiver for either of the following Master’s programs in International Development and Management (LUMID) at Lund University or in Social Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development at Stockholm University

• VIP invitation to the prize ceremony at the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C.

• Winner’s certificate!

Find the competition, as well as its rules and eligibility criteria here: www.challengeyourperspectives.com

Internship Workshop Series: How to Find an Internship

Monday, October 21, 2013 • 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
University Career Center & The President's Promise
3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

Not sure where to start with your internship search? Or, do you feel like you're at a standstill and unsure about the next steps in your search? Just using Google will not find you an internship! To help you with your internship search, we will discuss:

Specific resources available to research internship opportunities in non-profit, government and corporate sectors. Quick tips on making a positive first impression on resumes and during interviews Strategies to connect with UMD alumni working within your intended career field.

RSVP for this event: Click here

Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development - Policy/Legislative Intern

Position Type:  Winter/January Term Internship

Desired Major(s): Behavioral and Social Sciences/Criminology and Criminal Justice, Behavioral and Social Sciences/Economics, Behavioral and Social Sciences/Government and Politics, Business/Finance, Public Policy/Public Policy (GRAD), Public Policy/Public  Administration MPS (GRAD)

Location: Baltimore, Maryland (United States); Annapolis, Maryland (United States)

Description:  The Policy/Legislative Intern will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director for Policy and Government Affairs and assist in supporting the Department's government relations and business outreach activities. The Intern will gain experience in the areas of advocacy, communication and policy and fiscal analysis. The Intern will have the opportunity to observe the management/operations of a principal unit of State government, adding to their public administration experience.

Job Function: Administrative/Support Services

Desired Class Level(s):  Junior, Senior, Masters Candidate

Duration: 90 days

Salary Level:  $9.25-$11.25/hr. or credit in lieu of salary

Qualifications: Course Background: The ideal candidate is a graduate or undergraduate student majoring in Political Science, Economics, Finance, Law, or Public Administration/Policy with a working knowledge of State government and legislative process or an interest in public administration, policy or legal studies. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.

Additional Skills: The Intern must be able to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision, should possess the ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems; and work well in a team environment. Experience with Excel, Power Point, databases and Internet research is preferred but not required.

Log in to your C4T account (www.Careers.umd.edu/) and paste the position title in the “Search” box to learn more or to apply.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Seismic Shifts in the Middle East featuring Jane Harman

The Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies

Presents
The Annual Richard and Elizabeth Dubin Lecture
"Seismic Shifts in the Middle East"

featuring
 Jane Harman
President and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Center

 Tuesday, October 22, 2013
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland – College Park

The world is watching developments in the Middle East with great anticipation and Harman will share her vision from the front row. 

Harman is the first female director, president and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Center and was most recently a nine-term U.S. representative for California who served on all major security committees: Armed Services, Intelligence, and Homeland Security.  She will share her insights into U.S. national security and public policy issues surrounding Israel and the Middle East. 

Given the escalating national conversations about the Syrian conflict and chemical weapons, nuclear proliferation in Iran, political unrest in Egypt, and the latest iteration of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, this program is sure to be timely and insightful. 

This event is free to the UMD community and to the public. RSVP is required: http://dubin2013.eventbrite.com

Cosponsored by the College of Arts and Humanities and the Office of International Affairs

Friday, October 11, 2013

Smith PhD Program Information Session on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 PM in 2505VMH

Do you wonder why businesses do what they do? Are you interested in exploring creative topics within the realm of business? Are you interested in a career in academia, specifically at a research institution? Do debate everything? The Smith Doctoral Programs is hosting an information session on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 PM in 2505 Van Munching Hall. This session is for individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in Business and Management in one of the 8 different fields of study (listed on the flyer below). The session will cover the overall logistics of the program and application and give potential applicants the opportunity to speak with faculty and staff about their research interests and the research interests of the fields of study.

Please RSVP to businessphd@rhsmith.umd.edu and let us know which field of study you are interested in. Questions can be directed to our office at businessphd@rhsmith.umd.edu or 301-405-2214. Information is also available on our website.


CLICK TO ENLARGE
 

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Announcing the $2,000 Senator John A. Cade Public Leadership Scholarship

Senator John A. Cade was one of Maryland's most extraordinary and exemplary public servants. As a member of the Maryland Senate from 1975-1996, his dedication to government, public service and education helped enhance the lives of his constituents.

"As much as any legislator, Jack Cade understood that it was education that made a difference. He was a champion for higher education funding throughout his career."
 --Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

This $2000 scholarship was created to honor the memory of Senator John A. Cade by enabling students to carry on his legacy of public service and leadership.

Eligible candidates must:
  • be a current Maryland resident
  • be an undergraduate student
  • not be graduating before Spring 2014
  • have a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • have an interest in public service, government involvement, or political leadership.

Cade Scholarship applications are due by 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2013.  Finalists will be notified shortly thereafter and may interview with the School of Public Policy Scholarship Committee.


For all questions, please contact James Stillwell at (301) 405-8560, or email at: jstill@umd.edu

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Deadline Extended for Selected Winter '14 and Spring Break '14 Education Abroad Programs


Education Abroad is pleased to announce that we have extended the student application deadline to 15 October for selected Winter and Spring Break 2014 faculty-led programs (see list below). 


WINTER PROGRAMS (http://ter.ps/winter)

- Belize: Mayan Culture and the Interface Between Tropical Rainforests and Coral Reefs (BSCI)
- Chile: Chilean Literature, Democracy and Social Change (ARHU)
- Ecuador: Andean Spaces - Traversing the Colonial City and the Natural World (SPAN)
- Europe: Special Topics in Accounting (BMGT)
- Germany: Germany in the New Europe (GERM)
- India: International Opportunities in Information Studies (INST)
- Indonesia: Social-Ecological Systems, Environmental Policy, and Sustainable Development (PUAF)
- Italy: Ancient Greek and Roman Culture in Context (CLAS)
- Italy: Language and Culture (ITAL)
- Morocco: Political and Social Development (PUAF)
- New Zealand: Literature and Culture (ENGL)
- Peru: Medicinal Plants of the Amazon (PLSC)
- Southern Caribbean: The Geography of the Southern Caribbean (GEOG)
- Spain: Cultures of the Contact Zone - Seville, Al-Andalus, and the Atlantic World (SPAN)
- Thailand: The Global Business of Philanthropy (BMGT)

SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS (
http://ter.ps/spbreakprog)

- France and Netherlands: The Business of French and Dutch Design and Culture (BMGT)
- France: Classical Myths in Paris (CLAS)
- Italy: An International Perspective on Domestic and Sexual Violence (HLTH)
- Nicaragua: Doing Business in Nicaragua: Microfinance and Social Value Creation (BMGT)
 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Work4Change Program - credit bearing opportunity!


 
Making a commitment to making a difference!
 
The Work4Change program provides students with the unique opportunity to integrate socially responsible leadership and civic engagement through service-learning within both an academic leadership course and an internship at a local community agency.

  • Are you interested in gaining practical work experience?
  • Are you looking for ways to engage with the community to address important issues?
  • Are you ready to develop your socially responsible leadership skills through active learning?
  • Are you interested in putting your passions to work?
  • Are you interested in developing a relationship with other student change agents on campus?
Are you looking for assistance with identifying an internship experience?

·      Participants will take part in an internship experience during the Spring 2014 semester.

  • Staff will work with you to find an internship experience exploring socially responsible leadership and your personal career goals.
  • Learn how to build and polish your resume and take advantage of the resources and networks of local communities.

Research Associate - Macroeconomics at Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has a Research Associate position open in our Macroeconomics/Banking Research department for a May – August 2014 graduate.   Below is the job description with application instructions. The application deadline is November 30th.


 
 
The Economic Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is recruiting for the position of Research Associate. 
 
Key Activities Include:
  •  Assisting Ph.D. economists on academic research projects and monetary policy briefings.
  • Gathering and analyzing data, programming economic models, and preparing charts for presentations on economic and financial conditions.
  • More experienced Research Associates participate in econometric or theoretical research, write for Bank publications, and deliver speeches to civic and educational groups.
These are excellent positions for someone considering a Ph.D. in economics. Research Associates develop technical skills and are exposed to a broad range of economic research topics. Most Research Associates stay with the department for two to three years, at which point many return to graduate school.
 
Required Education and Skills:
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics or a closely related field, such as statistics, computer science, or mathematics.
  • Strong academic record.
  • High proficiency with personal computers and spreadsheet software.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Coursework or experience in econometrics, math, statistics, statistical software packages, and macroeconomic modeling is highly desirable.