1. A proposal is required prior to registration. The student must select a research topic that is related to the internship experience AND the field of economics.  For example, if a student is interning at an investment firm and is assigned to a particular market sector, the student may wish to conduct a complete industry study wherein the major firms and their market shares, revenues, costs, strategies, geographical market entries (and exits), regulations, and risks/challenges are identified and analyzed.  Alternatively, a student may want to examine a particular topic such as energy prices and the relationship of energy prices to market speculation, currency values, etc.

   The research paper should have a literature survey in the introduction section.  The paper should be about 20 pages long with a properly formatted bibliography and footnotes.

   3.    The research paper should have a clear conclusion supported by data or other evidences.  If data is used, a clear description of the source and the nature of the data should be included. Since the student earns economic credit, the research paper must be research focused with the appropriate use of descriptive statistics and data analysis.  Either as part of the introduction or as a separate document, the students must explain what was the motivation for writing the paper on the topic selected and how it relates to the internship.

   CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL: The proposal must include the following:

   – PURPOSE OR OBJECTIVE: The student will be able to clearly define the general area of economics being researched (example: advertising, capital markets, portfolio management) and ask a specific question within that field (example: what impacts the price of television advertising time?, are capital markets efficient?)

   – METHODOLOGY:  A student will provide a detailed explanation of the approach to be followed to conduct the proposed study, including but not limited to a literature search, data collection and data analysis.

   – BIBLIOGRAPHY: Prior to undertaking the project, it is expected that the student develops of books, articles that will be studied over the semester.  Of course, additional sources that the student finds after the proposal has been approved must be subsequently included.

   – OTHER SOURCES: Any other sources from which information will be gathered should be included as well.

   – SCHEDULE:  The student should work work on the project during the course of the internship.

   – PRIOR STUDY OF TOPIC: Indicate if you have studied the proposed topic in a previous course.

Category: Essays