Student Research Assistant - Data Analyst/Economics

Job Title: Student Research Assistant - Data Analyst/Economics
Location: UWG Recruiting Location
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job ID: 305276
About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

The selected student will have three primary responsibilities. First, the student will serve as an intern for the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy (CEEFL) at the University of West Georgia (UWG). Second, the student will serve as a research assistant on the project titled ¿The Impact of Georgia¿s Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) on Local Entrepreneurship and Innovation.¿ Third, the student will conduct research and present their findings at Data Analytics Day during the last week of April 2027, and at least two other events.

As an intern for CEEFL, the student research assistant (SRA) will gain practical experience in event planning, financial literacy education, community outreach, data collection, statistical analysis, and applied economic research. Weekly meetings with faculty supervisors will provide guidance, training, and feedback throughout the appointment.

By the end of the appointment, the student will have gained valuable experience in applied economic research, data analysis, event organization, and professional communication.

**November 2026: Introduction to Research and CEEFL Activities**

The SRA will be introduced to the ESPLOST research project, which examines how school infrastructure investments influence local entrepreneurship, small business formation, and economic development in Georgia. The student will review relevant academic literature and assist with CEEFL activities, including financial literacy workshops, guest speaker coordination, and community outreach.

**December 2026¿January 2027: Data Collection and Analysis**

The SRA will assist with collecting, cleaning, and organizing school finance and economic data from the Georgia Department of Education, American Community Survey (ACS), and County Business Patterns. The student will learn to use statistical software, such as Stata or R, to prepare datasets, generate summary statistics, and create tables and figures. The student will also receive introductory training in econometric methods used to evaluate public policies.

**February 2027: Research Development**

The SRA will assist with preliminary econometric analysis to examine the relationship between ESPLOST investments and local entrepreneurship outcomes, including self-employment and small business activity. The student will also develop a research question, potentially related to the ESPLOST project, and begin preparing an independent research presentation under faculty supervision.

**March 2027: Research Analysis and Presentation Preparation**

The SRA will continue analyzing data, interpreting results, and preparing research tables and figures. The student will also assist with organizing Data Analytics Day, including contacting potential speakers and alumni panelists, coordinating event logistics, preparing registration materials, and communicating with participants.

**April 2027: Research Completion and Presentation**

The SRA will finalize the research project, prepare presentation materials, and **present their findings at Data Analytics Day during the last week of April 2027**. The student will also assist with summarizing the ESPLOST project's preliminary findings for a working paper or policy brief.

**Compensation and Work Expectations**

The position will begin on **November 1, 2026, and end on April 30, 2027**. The student will receive **$248 per month for six months, totaling $1,488**. The SRA is expected to work approximately **4 hours per week, on average**, with regular faculty supervision and guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of West Georgia (UWG).
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours and have a 2.0 GPA or higher.
• Strong interest in economics, finance, data analytics, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
• Basic knowledge of statistics, data analysis, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty and other students.
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn new research methods.
• Ability to commit approximately 5 hours per week from November 2026 through April 2027.
• Willingness to participate in CEEFL activities and present research findings at Data Analytics Day in April 2027.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous coursework in economics, statistics, or data analytics and familiarity with statistical software are desirable but not required.

Required Documents to Attach

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.