The Center for Emerging Markets invites undergraduate students from all Northeastern University colleges and schools to become CEM Student Associates. 

Student Associates are individuals who have demonstrated a strong interest in learning about emerging markets around the world as they have progressed through their academic careers and who are looking to continue to deepen their understanding of these markets and become formally involved with CEM by helping to strengthen and expand emerging-market-related programming and research at Northeastern.

Student Associates enjoy unique involvement opportunities with CEM, including but not limited to:

  • Leading and organizing student-facing CEM programming such as case competitions and research expos
  • Performing research on emerging markets topics with CEM Faculty Fellows (limited to students enrolled in the Emerging Markets Minor)
  • Helping shape future student programming and outreach efforts
  • Participating in career shadowing opportunities with CEM board members
  • Networking with like-minded undergraduate students, faculty, and industry speakers in private group settings

Each semester, CEM will recognize star Student Associates entering their final academic year as Student Fellows, and award them a $1,000 scholarship for their dedication to emerging markets.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students from all Northeastern University schools and colleges are welcome and encouraged to become CEM Student Associates!  

Important Dates

March 19 – Applications for the Spring 2026 Semester open

April 7 – Applications for the Spring 2026 close

Late April – Spring 2026 decisions are released

Application Process

Interested students can apply to become a CEM Student Associate at the end of the fall and spring semesters.  

Students may click on the application portal at the bottom of the page to apply. In the portal, they will be asked to provide the following:

  • Contact information and resume
  • A short response about aspirations for becoming a Student Associate
  • A short response about what they're hoping to contribute to emerging-market-related programming at Northeastern
  • A short response detailing any contributions to CEM and/or emerging markets programming while a student at Northeastern. Examples include:
    • Participating in or leading emerging-market-related clubs on campus
    • Conducting research or an independent study on emerging markets topics
    • Participating in a co-op, internship, or NU Dialogue program in an emerging market
    • Enrollment in the Emerging Markets Minor
    • Regularly participating in CEM events

Students are strongly encouraged to also submit a faculty recommendation.

Selection Process & Criteria

A panel comprised of CEM's Director, Program Manager, and CEM Faculty Fellows will review applications each semester. Criteria for selection will include:

  • Demonstrated Interest: Previous involvement in CEM events or programming, emerging markets clubs or research, work/study in emerging markets, or related activities
  • Academic Standing: Strong performance in relevant coursework and overall GPA  
  • Leadership Potential: Experience organizing events, leading projects, or taking initiative 
  • Faculty Support: Quality and enthusiasm of faculty recommendations 

Terms & Expectations

Student Associates are expected to attend at least two CEM events and contribute at least eight hours to support other CEM initiatives each semester.

Contributions may include: playing a key role in helping to organize major CEM student activities or events, performing research on Emerging Markets with faculty, or leading new student programming and outreach efforts.

They will be responsible for briefly reporting on their activities at the end of each academic semester.  

Students are highly encouraged to enroll in Northeastern's Undergraduate Minor in Emerging Markets to complement their role as Student Associates.  

Students away on co-op or study abroad are not expected to attend events. They can maintain their Student Associate status by resuming participation when they return to campus.  

Becoming a Student Fellow

CEM will recognize star Student Associates wrapping up their final academic year as Student Fellows and award them a $1,000 scholarship for their dedication to emerging markets.

Students will be selected to become Student Fellows based on their contributions as Student Associates.

To become a Student Fellow, students must:

  • Be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at Northeastern University; 
  • Be in their final academic year (graduating in the next 12 months); 
  • Have served as a CEM Student Associate for at least one full semester. 
  • Enrollment in the Undergraduate Minor in Emerging Markets is preferred but not required.

Ready to become an Associate?

Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed. Applications for the Spring will open in March 2026.

Contact

Please contact Kathryn Slomski, Program Manager at the Center for Emerging Markets, at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Kathryn Slomski