Introducing the Graduate Research Assistant Program

Lauder Business School is happy to announce the introduction of the Graduate Research Assistant Program (GRA) starting from the spring term 2017. This is an educational program providing students with relevant research experience while they pursue a Masters’ degree at LBS. Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) work with faculty on academic and research projects, both at LBS and in the field.

Appointments are made on an annual or semester basis by the Directors of Studies on the basis of a recommendation by a faculty member or the submission of applications from students to an official Call for Applications by LBS. Some of the general activities may include: performing supervised research, engaging in literature searches, performing data analysis, designing and preparing research experiments, etc.

The idea behind the GRA program: “At LBS we do not want to prepare our students for corporate and entrepreneurial careers only. GRA was introduced to encourage students interested in academia, in pursuing it as a career and continuing their education at a PhD level”, as Prof. (FH) Dr. Pöschl, MSc, MBA, explains.

Based on a shortlist by Prof. (FH) Dr. Kammel, LL.M, MBA, Ms. Evgeniia Chukhareva was appointed as the first Graduate Research Assistant at LBS. Her reason for applying for the program:

“The original motivation for me was to try myself in the research field, since I have never done it before. I was thinking a lot about research and during my studies I really liked it, but when it comes to a more elaborate research – I think it is more challenging. So I wanted to test myself and see whether I want to do this in future, beyond my studies.”

As for the expectations of the program, Chukhareva hopes to improve her skills in academic writing and research. Furthermore, this is a step forward to achieving her goal of having both a professional and an academic career. GRA however is not only for students who want to opt for academia, as Chukhareva states, “I think this program is for everybody. GRA program is a great opportunity for students to gather more knowledge about various topics as well as to practice researching, writing, analyzing, interpreting results, etc.”

And what are the benefits?

Not only improved academic skills and developing close relationships to faculty, but also a 50% refund of the tuition fee for the semester!

LBS encourages you to apply for the GRA program next semester!