Research Fellows
Research Fellow teams help Northeast Ohio companies explore and validate growth opportunities in a guided hybrid program. Talented students access university databases, apply AI practices, and conduct primary and secondary market research to gain insights with the support of experienced business mentors. Ultimately, each team of Research Fellows provides a comprehensive report and a final presentation to senior leaders with recommended action steps based on well-supported industry evidence. This paid internship hires students each summer (full-time, 10 weeks) and has started a fall and spring program where students work 10-20 hours a week.
Participating Companies – Summer 2024: APO Pumps and Compressors, Buckeye Innovation, FEMC (Food Equipment Manufacturing Co.), Point to Point, PorchLight Rental and Destination Services, and Progressive Insurance. Fall 2024: Landmark Plastic Co., Mar-Bal, and NESCO Inc.
In addition, EDGE/MAGNET is committed to helping Fellows develop their professional networks, foster personal development and expose them to professionals throughout NE Ohio (and beyond). While students work on meaningful projects with participating companies, they frequently talk about the access to quality mentoring and professional/personal networking throughout the program as differentiators in this internship.
Interested in learning more? Contact Chris Keller.
Impact: Sparking profitable business growth
- Since 2007, rsearched 114 projects, accelerating the growth plans of Northeast Ohio companies.
- 72 (63%) of these with manufacturing-related projects.
- 24 Scalerator NEO-affiliated companies have benefitted from the program, including four in 2024.
Special thanks for support provided by:
The Burton D. Morgan Foundation, The Harvard Business School Club of Northeastern Ohio and the Participating Companies.
About Program: The goal of the Research Fellows Program is to provide an affordable, quality research option to help area companies explore the up-side potential for new business opportunities. Additionally, the program provides students with a truly unique consulting experience, connecting area companies with top talent from area universities and skilled business mentors.
The “Coolest Internship” in NE Ohio – per NOCHE & CBC Magazine
The Research Fellows’ Program is a great opportunity to get more acquainted with the fabric of the business community in Northeast Ohio – including small, medium and larger companies. Each year participating Fellows rate their experiences very highly — often the best experience of their academic studies — and they gain:
- Consulting and Marketing Experience as student teams work with business leaders to identify and validate new business opportunities and make recommended go-to-market action steps.
- Mentorship and Networking with the local business community, seasoned business mentors, and a network of past Fellows that provide benefits well beyond the program.
- New Opportunities to pursue post graduation as students can learn about creating their own opportunities within companies.
- Broad Exposure to many different Northeast Ohio businesses (small, medium and large) in different industries, often including healthcare/medical devices, IT/logistics, manufacturing, chemicals/coatings, polymers, agriculture and innovative technology.
The ten-week paid internship is a guided process that offers students the flexibility of working in a hybrid program as part of a collaborative team and with other highly motivated students. Successful Fellows develop a great working rapport with their research partner, host company contacts, business mentors, staff, and other Fellow teams. There is a lot of focus on conducting primary and secondary market research, getting out to meet and connect with industry professionals throughout the summer, and an increasing interest in data analytics. Access to reliable transportation is a must as there is some required driving throughout northeast Ohio.
Each Fellows class is made up of a select group of students from multiple disciplines, and students are paired to projects based on their background, experience, and expressed interest. Many opportunities will also be available throughout the program for networking and personal/professional development, and it does not end once the program is over. Many stay connected with EDGE/MAGNET and a network of Fellow alumni for years to come – particularly as they seek job opportunities and career advice.
Testimonials:
“I learned so much and had a lot of fun doing it. It felt like I learned more in this brief summer session about how to manage and work with clients, collaborate effectively with teammates, and create persuasive presentations than I did in my three semesters in grad school!”
“A bridge between academia and the real world (finally)! Great contacts around Northeast Ohio! And, most importantly, confidence in myself as a professional. I feel well equipped to graduate and navigate what is ahead of me.”
“It’s hard work … overall, the experience (was) invaluable. This has been my best job so far. Ever. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I can’t say that about a lot of things I’ve done, but EDGE is one of the best things that’s happened to me.”
“An excellent opportunity to (work) with a diverse, intelligent, and motivated group of people. It will enable you to develop your skills as a business person and will expose you to different ways to approach challenges. The program will aid you in connecting with the business environment of northeast Ohio and challenge you to solve pressing issues affecting area businesses.”
“It is a great experience and helps you learn what you do or do not want to do in the future. … This is something I would not have been able to learn through classes. Also, there are so many connections through EDGE that will really help out in the future.”
“The EDGE Fellowship is a unique opportunity to do and learn so much in the course of only two months. It’s a real hands-on experience where you have the opportunity to apply everything you have learned at school. Plus, you always feel that you can rely on experienced mentors to guide you in the process. That balance of having enough freedom to do your work with having enough guidance and mentorship from experienced EDGE staff and business mentors is very important!”
“The EDGE Fellows experience was one of the most impactful experiences on both a personal and professional level. Meetings allowed me to leave with handfuls of new friends and see areas of Cleveland that I would have never known existed. The entire process was absolutely exceptional. My only regret is that it has come to an end.”
“The EDGE program has helped me gain valuable skills that will make me extremely marketable to companies in the future. Not all internships sit you down and teach you basic business skills such as market analysis, interview techniques, etc. and allow you to put them into action. I also enjoyed developing professional and social relationships with the EDGE staff and Fellows.”
“I think this experience was fantastic, and I will forever cherish this opportunity. Students are rarely able to get this level of autonomy and responsibility at other consulting firms.”
“I really enjoyed the weekly get-togethers with other Fellows. Making it through my own problems throughout the summer was made easier by hearing & understanding the similar/different problems other Fellows were experiencing.”
“I didn’t know much about what was going on with these small to medium sized businesses in the area. There’s a lot going on, and a lot of passion among the leaders of these businesses.”
“I really enjoyed meeting all the great people involved: EDGE staff, mentors, host company people, and Fellows alike. The experience itself was so worthwhile … and helped show me what I’m capable of.”