Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistantship

Prof. Alia Crocker

Position Overview

Flexible position for a graduate assistant (GA) to work closely with supervisor on several projects investigating knowledge intensive firms.  Primary tasks include data identification, aggregation, and analysis but may vary based on student skill set and project need.  Strong analytical skills and an interest in firm performance are desirable for this role.

Position Detail

Please provide a set of specific responsibilities that the GA will assume. Required: Nature of weekly and monthly schedule (is this in office, off-site, etc.) What level of supervision will you provide to your GA? (weekly, bi-weekly meetings, regular email, etc.)

Much of my research focuses on firm-level performance at professional service firms (consultancies, investment banks, etc.) or other knowledge intensive settings (biotech, healthcare, etc.). There are several ongoing projects with respect to data collection and analysis to better understand how and why firms perform differently. The GA will assist with background literature review, bibliography preparation, data compilation, and data analysis, as necessary.

Comfort working with different data sources and in different formats is desired but can also be developed. Experience in excel is necessary, while an understanding of Stata, SPSS, or other statistical or data management software is a bonus. Interest or experience in firm performance and knowledge intensive settings, particularly the leveraging of intangible resources (reputation, human capital, social capital, firm innovation and learning), is preferred.

With the exception of pre-determined meetings and deadlines, the GA will have flexibility in scheduling working hours.  The nature of the position also allows for flexibility in terms of where the work is done.  This is an autonomous work environment with regular/weekly email check in and mutually agreed upon monthly meetings.

Skills & Competencies Desired:

• Professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Analytical and critical thinking
• High level of attention to detail
• Data aggregation and analysis
• Interest in knowledge intensive settings is suggested
• undefinedWhat skill set will the Graduate Assistant gain?Ability to better process, present, and consume informationResearch experience with respect to different approaches, tools, and skills, particularly triangulation of data and information sources to better analyze problemsFamiliarity with knowledge intensive settings, such as investment banking and management consultingGreater understanding of how and why firms perform differently