Internship Review: RECSOLU

Charnetta Brown: Internship Summary

Location

RECSOLU

70 W Madison Ave,

Chicago, IL 60647

(312) 624-8294

Job Title: Research Analyst Intern

Job Summary: As a RECSOLU team member, you will conduct research and engage in analytic activities while contributing innovative ideas to management with an aim to improve relevant methods of inquiry. Among the responsibilities of this position (a) Collect and analyze data and convert it into an appropriate format  such as reports, graphs and charts, to clearly and concisely present the findings to internal and external clients. (b) Identify all existing data sources for a given project. (c) Develop and propose new data sources (i.e.,surveys, case study outlines). (d) Provide advice to sales, marketing and research staff regarding the development of marketing strategies and initiatives to carry out those strategies.

Job Content

Project 1: Develop Surveys for Marketing Events

I developed a pre and post survey used this summer for our annual conference. The pre conference survey was used to gauge what topics our attendees were most interested in learning more about so we could structure our conference to fit their needs. The post conference survey was a follow up to obtain overall satisfaction ratings of the sessions and meals provided. I was also able to obtain feedback on ways to improve the conference for next year. I compiled this data and presented it to the stakeholders of the company and presented recommendations for next year's conference   

Project 2: Development & Implementation of Cultural Fit Tool

I took on the cultural fit tool from another intern. Most of the questions were developed, however these questions needed to be revised to fit the new goals of the survey. I revised the current questions to the cultural fit survey and conducted a pilot study of the tool to understand if we were measuring what we were intending to measure. I launched the survey this fall and collected results from candidates. I have analyzed these results and am in the process of revising questions  and adding questions to get more accurate results for the dimensions we created.

Project 3: Development of Human Resource Functions

When I first arrived at RECSOLU, I noticed the company did not have any HR systems in place. After talking to a manager I developed the first company employee handbook. I also developed several job descriptions to assist with our recruiting and staffing needs. I also played an integral role in hiring for several positions by participating in the full cycle of the hiring process from development of job descriptions,posting positions, sourcing candidates and interviewing candidates. 

Evaluation of the internship experience/site

I really enjoyed interning at RECSOLU. The company culture is very relaxed and young. The company has atrue open door policy when it comes to asking questions and getting feedback.It was very easy to ask for help and volunteer to assist with other projects.The company is very team oriented, so I was able to work on several smallerprojects in different teams to meet client's needs.

Evaluation of RU's preparation for the internship

I believe Roosevelt University prepared me for each project I worked on at RECSOLU. Dr. Wygonik's questionnaire development course gave me the skills I needed to develop the surveys for the conference. The rigorous question development and piloting phase of the course helped me tremendously on the cultural fit project. I was able to apply several concepts from Dr. Sier's Personnel course during my development of several HR functions here at RECSOLU. Lastly, the data analysis and SPSS class taught by Dr. Helford was integral in the factor analysis I ran on the cultural fit tool to help understand the various dimensions the questions were loading on and the story being conveyed. Overall, I think Roosevelt did a fantastic job at preparing me to work on the projects I worked on and I look forward to applying the skills I've learned to future roles.

Grad School... Complete

Hey Everyone,

So I successfully completed grad school in 1 year and a half. Of course, I took summer classes and doubled up on spending time on my paper but hey I'm done :).

Me, Ju Thunya Ariyajarukul (Thunya), Sarah Jones and Jennifer Norman
C/O 2013 - RU IO Graduates :)

So What's next? Well considering it's December and not the "best" time to end school; I'll be finishing up my internship and looking for new employment! I'm sure I will attend SIOP this year so I hope that will open up new doors for opportunity as well! We shall see :)

Review of RU Program:

I really enjoyed Roosevelt's IO Program. Everything I heard in orientation was held to be true and I can't say that for other schools I've visited and from what I have heard from my friends. From Day 1, I felt like I was part of something great, my cohort was so welcoming and we truly had each other's back. I remember staying up countless nights studying together for various test and being able to hang out and drink/dance all the agony of a test away the next night. I've dealt with work challenges and even academic challenges and my cohort was always there by my side. I truly felt like I was a part of a family at Roosevelt, we all wanted to see each other succeed. To add to my experience with my cohort, my professors were truly the foundation for my success. Each professor I encountered, took me under their wing and helped me when I struggled and encouraged me in times of need. They each made sure the class grasp the material to the best of their abilities and was always available when any of us needed them. I was truly blessed to learn form an amazing group of people.

I hope to take all the course work and experiences I've had at RU and apply them to my next job (whatever that may be). I will most definitely recommend RU for a place of study.