Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship

Timeline

Applications are due February 25, 2013.

Sponsor

The Institute for Public Relations awards the Grunig PRIME Fellowship on an annual basis, sponsored by PRIME Research. The Fellowship is named for James E. Grunig and Larissa A. Grunig, professors emeriti, University of Maryland.

Purpose

The award supports and encourages graduate student interest in applied public relations research as a career opportunity.

Award Content

The Fellow will work at PRIME Research’s Ann Arbor, MI, offices for six weeks in the summer following the end of the academic year to learn more about public relations research including data collection, data analysis, interpretation of research results and consultation.
The Fellow will be responsible for carrying out work as assigned by his or her supervisor along with other tasks to be determined in advance of the Fellowship.
In exchange for the above, the Fellow will be awarded a $5,000 stipend along with free walk-to-work lodging.
At the end of this experience, the Fellow will produce a research paper intended for practitioners. IPR recommends the following topics:
- What drives choice and changes behavior?
- Organizational communication.
- A broader context for social networking and what it means.
- Restoring reputation in an environment of extremely low trust.
- Models to predict the probability of public relationship outcomes.

The Fellow will receive a $2,500 stipend for the research paper after it has been accepted for publication by IPR.
The Fellow will be recognized at IPR’s Annual Distinguished Lecture & Awards Dinner on November 21, 2013.

Who May Apply

Graduate students in public relations, communications or business who are studying in the United States.
Applicants must have completed at least one year of study toward a graduate degree, and at least one methodology course in research methods (e.g., survey, content analysis, experimental design, etc.).
Additional requirements include: basic knowledge of statistics, computer and internet proficiency, fluency in English (written and spoken), and appropriate legal status to work in the US in such a Fellowship position.

Required Application Materials

Curriculum vitae
Research Prospectus that outlines the type of research project you contemplate designing and carrying out, should you be awarded the grant.
Personal statement explaining why the applicant is qualified for the Fellowship
A copy of official transcript
Recommendation letter sent directly from the applicant’s faculty advisor

Address for Submissions: Email to Jenn Moyer

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by an Advisory Council of distinguished public relations researchers and educators including:
- Larissa A. Grunig
- James E. Grunig
- Patty Lin (PRIME Research)
- Rainer Mathes (PRIME Research)
- Mark Weiner (PRIME Research)
Telephone interviews will be conducted with the finalists
After the Advisory Council has made its recommendations, the final selection will be made by PRIME Research

2013 Grunig PRIME Research Application ;

2013 Grunig PRIME Research Application Prospectus

Here is what our past winners have had to say about how the Fellowship has launched their careers.

Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship Testimonials:

Nicole Lee 2012

“The Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship was an excellent opportunity for me to be introduced to the world of applied research. It was great to get hands on experience with so many of the things I had learned in grad school. Working on my own research project and getting feedback from PRIME’s team of knowledgeable researchers was one of the best parts of the experience for me. Overall, my fellowship at PRIME allowed me to see a whole new side of PR that I had not experienced as a professional or academic.”

Shana Meganck 2011

“Winning the Grunig PRIME Research Award was not only a huge honor but a wonderful experience. Everyone in the industry knows how well-respected the Grunig’s are and it was such a pleasure to be associated with them, and chosen to grow as a researcher with PRIME.”

Amanda Stageman 2010

“My participation in the Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship was valuable beyond measure. While working with PRIME Research’s talented team of project managers, I learned how to ideate, develop and implement a research project that could be useful to PR professionals in their everyday practices. It also taught me how to thrive in a fast paced research setting, something that is quite different from the academic world. Most importantly, my internship at PRIME Research opened the door to a world of professional opportunities and sparked an interest in pursuing a career in PR research. It was an ideal learning environment that truly stimulated my professional growth and undoubtedly helped prepare me for my current position. I would recommend the Fellowship to any graduate student who is interested in PR research.”

Vanessa Procter 2010

“Winning the PRIME Research Fellowship in 2010 opened up a gateway of opportunity for me within the world of PR research and communication consultancy. It gave me a solid, reputable and enjoyable foundation to step forward with my career and move from my role as a masters student into a young professional. Now, as a Project Manager at PRIME Research, I know that without the Fellowship I would never have been able to command the role, responsibility and rapid career development opportunities I have now. It truly was a fantastic experience and door opener into a leading global communications company.”

Owen Kulemeka 2009

“Winning the Grunig PRIME Award was an achievement that has benefitted me in many ways that go beyond the money and time spent working at the PRIME office. The award has helped my career because being associated with such a prestigious prize has opened doors to exciting opportunities. It was a memorable experience and as a professor, I encourage my best students to not only apply for the award but to seek job opportunities at PRIME which, in my view, is one of the best places to work in public relations.”

Institute for Public Relations