Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Earn Academic Credit for Research Practicum on Campus

Research Fellows Program -- ECON488K
              Spring 2017

The Kaulkin-Ginsberg Research Fellows Program is an excellent opportunity for economics majors to gain practical experience producing market research valued by businesses.  Students stay on campus but still engage in research activities that they might do as an intern or an entry level employee working on site at a consulting firm.  The research produced could hypothetically help investors decide if they want to pursue activity in a specific segment of the business services market.  Entry into the program is competitive; only a maximum of 16 students will be selected to participate in Spring 2017. 

Students will work in small groups (3-4 per group) to gather macroeconomic and industry-specific data, analyze and interpret this information, and use findings to develop recommendations for simulated clients. Each semester’s research will focus on a different business line. Each group will examine data pertaining to unemployment rates, personal income, uncollectible debt, and collection laws. They will analyze this data with an eye to the accounts receivable management industry and private collection agencies, explaining their findings in a final executive summary and a visual presentation. 

In addition to exploring a career option appropriate for economics majors, students who succeed in the program will receive 2 credits through ECON488K: Applied Market Research Practicum. (See an ECON advisor regarding course applicability towards your degree). Students can also obtain a letter of recommendation from a respected business executive and be well-positioned to draw on a network of business contacts, opening the door for post-graduation employment opportunities

To 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, Class of 1990 and president and CEO, will lead the program with assistance from a former Research Fellow, Mr. Michael Thomas, Class of 2014, who now works at Kaulkin-Ginsberg. Students with questions about the program should send an email to ugadvising@econ.umd.edu.

Minimum qualifications for participation in the Research Fellows Program include:
  • Junior or Senior ECON major
  • Cumulative GPA at the University of Maryland of at least 3.0
  • Successful completion of either ECON305 or ECON325
  • Successful completion of either ECON306 or ECON326
  • Coursework or other experience using Excel, Access, or similar software
  • Meet on campus Monday evenings 5:30 to 7:45 from January 30th through April 24th
  • Sign a release allowing the Department to share your academic transcript and application with Kaulkin Ginsberg*
  • Grant Kaulkin Ginsberg a nonexclusive, fully paid, irrevocable right and license to use the results of your group work for internal purposes.* 
To apply, please complete the second and third pages of the application and return it with supporting documents to Tydings 3108 or send by email to ugadvising@econ.umd.edu.  

Registration for ECON488K will be handled on a “first come, first served” basis for qualified applicants so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible. As a reminder, registration is limited to 16 students!