***NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS***
Title:
Competitive & Market Research GA – Kirkhof College of Nursing
Term:
This is a half-time/ten hours per week position for the 2016-17 academic year (August 29, 2016 –
April 29, 2017). This assistantship is open to students carrying a minimum course load of 4.5 credits
per semester for both Fall 2016 and Winter 2017 semesters and includes a tuition waiver of 4.5
graduate credit hours and a stipend of $2,000 per semester for both Fall 2016 and Winter 2017
semesters.
Responsibilities:
The Marketing & Competitive Research GA for the Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON), under the
direction of the KCON Director of Communications and External Relations, will conduct competitive
and market research on nursing colleges and universities across the United States to assist in the
development of a formal strategic marketing plan for KCON.
Duties include:
 Conducting online competitive research on community colleges, colleges and universities in
the Midwest region offering nursing education programs with the goal of understanding their
educational offering and methods for attracting audiences
 Conducting online competitive research on best-in-class nursing education programs in the
United States to understand their educational offerings and methods for attracting audiences
 Conducting online research on consumer needs and preferences as they relate to
undergraduate and graduate level nursing education in West Michigan, Michigan and the
Midwest region
 Identifying additional lists and sources other than program websites for current information on
nursing programs
 Initiating regular check-ins with director of communications and external relations to review
progress and findings
 Building Microsoft Excel pivot table
 Entering data into Microsoft Excel pivot table
 Creating PowerPoint for presentation of research findings in collaboration with director of
communications and external relations
 Co-presenting findings with director of communications and external relations to KCON
administrative team
 Other duties in direct relation to market and competitive research as assigned
The research conducted by this GA will provide high-impact and real-life professional experience in
competitive and market research strategies consistently utilized by organizations to inform strategic
and tactical decision making. The skills and experience gained through this work are transferable and
highly sought after by employers of all types.
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Qualifications:
 Knowledgeable and efficient use of computer technology and online research in order to
retrieve, enter and organize and monitor data for analysis and evaluation
 Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables
 Time-management and data organizing skills
 Proficient oral and written communication skills
 Independent and innovative thinker
 Interested in research, specifically online research
 Possess self-confidence to interact and communicate with constituents of the KCON
 At least one year of professional work experience in business environment working with
office equipment, computers and the internet/search engines. Preference will be given to
candidates with more than one year of professional experience.
Eligible Students:
 Half-time graduate students enrolled in minimum of 4.5 credit hours per semester
 In good academic standing
Work Station/Desk:
 The GA will have a dedicated workstation in KCON’s research room 323 in the Cook DeVos
Center for Health Sciences Pew Campus.
Orientation/Supervision:
Orientation will be held the first week of employment. Supervision will be provided by the KCON
Director of Communications and External Relations with support from the KCON Associate Dean for
Research and Scholarship.
Contact Information:
Kelley Monterusso, Director of Communications and External Relations
Kirkhof College of Nursing – Grand Valley State University
Cook Devos Center for Health Sciences
301 Michigan St. NE, Office 350
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Selection Process:
Interested students should send CV/resume, two to three letters of recommendation and a 500 word
essay on why the applicants feels they are right for the position to monteruk@gvsu.edu. KCON will
review applications and contact those deemed most qualified for the position. Face-to-face interviews
will be held with applicants whose skills, experience and career aspirations best match the position.
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***APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED***
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