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!
