Tepper School of Business
Research Assistantships and Research Courses
Research Assistantships
There are multiple benefits to working as a Research Assistant (R.A.) to a faculty member. First, you have the opportunity to witness and participate in the research process. Second, you have the chance to determine whether your interests, skills, and work habits lend themselves to a professional life that involves solving complex problems to which you will need to bring structure. Third, you are provided with an environment in which you can use the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Fourth, you have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member.
How does one go about getting a R.A. position?
- Attend faculty presentations (e.g., Economics Society, Omicron Delta Epsilon) to learn about ongoing research at Carnegie Mellon.
- Pay attention during class. Faculty often discuss their research interests and those of their colleagues.
- Let Dr. Goldburg know that you are interested in working as a R.A. Dr. Goldburg serves as a clearing house for faculty looking for R.A.s.
- Send Dr. Goldburg your resume. Be certain that your resume includes a list of the economics, mathematics, and statistics courses you have taken. The more quantitative skills that you have, the more likely you are to be given interesting tasks. Additionally, list any library research skills that you have.
Research Courses
The Undergraduate Economics Program has designed its curricula to offer students the opportunity to engage in research. The data analysis courses offer students well-defined problems that the students must go out and solve. Independent Studies, The Senior Project Course, and the Tepper Senior Honors Program in Economics require students to create knowledge through the research process. For more information, consult Dr. Goldburg.
