Summer Associate - PhD

Cornerstone Research•,

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornerstone Research offers candidates pursuing doctoral studies in finance, economics, accounting, or marketing the opportunity to join the firm for eight weeks to gain first-hand experience in our work as a Summer Associate. The role is designed to mirror the experience of a first-year Associate and includes case assignments and formal training. Summer Associates work closely with senior staff, clients, and experts to define objectives, guide research efforts, manage deadlines, and mentor junior staff. Daily responsibilities typically include assisting with developing project strategy, conducting research, directing analysis, understanding and summarizing data and key findings, and proposing effective solutions to problems faced by their teams. This is a great opportunity for doctoral candidates to use theoretical and empirical research skills gained through their graduate-level training to devise and apply innovative and rigorous analytical approaches to interesting real-world issues. The outcomes of our cases can have a direct and immediate impact on public policy and corporate strategy. While many Summer Associates choose to spend their summer with us, the timing and duration of this position are flexible and can be arranged over the summer or during the academic year.

Requirements

Pursuing doctoral studies in finance, economics, econometrics, accounting, or marketing.
Graduating in 2027 or 2028.
Ability to apply academic research to real-world issues.
Eligible to work in the United States.
International candidates with F-1 status who can independently obtain work authorization will be considered.

Responsibilities

Work closely with senior staff, clients, and experts to define objectives, guide research efforts, manage deadlines, and mentor junior staff.
Assist with developing project strategy.
Conduct research.
Direct analysis.
Understand and summarize data and key findings.
Propose effective solutions to problems faced by their teams.
Devise and apply innovative and rigorous analytical approaches to interesting real-world issues.