Student Posting - Product & Business Assistant

About the Job

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented student to join our team as a Product & Business Operations Assistant. This position will support the business and operational side of developing an innovative fiber shredder in collaboration with engineering students. Responsibilities include assisting with product pricing, cost and market analysis, product documentation, and other business operations.

This is a flexible student position that provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to build practical skills in product development, business operations, pricing, and market research. The role is designed to allow students to take on new responsibilities, learn through real-world experience, and develop their skills throughout the project.

Job Duties

• Research competitors and market pricing to help determine product prices.
• Assist with pricing strategies, cost analysis, and potential profit margins.
• Conduct market and customer research to identify trends and opportunities.
• Help organize product information, specifications, features, and benefits.
• Create clear product guides, instruction manuals, FAQs, and troubleshooting materials.
• Develop presentations, sales materials, and internal documentation.
• Track and organize product-related data using Excel and other business software.
• Work with engineering students and management to ensure product information and pricing are accurate.

• Review existing materials and recommend improvements.

   

  Assist with other business and administrative projects as needed.

   

Preferred Qualifications/What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience helping develop and launch a real product.
• Experience with product pricing, cost analysis, and market research.
• Opportunity to work alongside engineering students on an innovative fiber shredder.
• Practical business, product management, and documentation experience.
• Flexible work opportunities and the chance to learn and grow your skills on the job.
• Experience that can support future careers in business, finance, consulting, product management, operations, and entrepreneurship.

Pay Range: $15.25 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.