Intern (Economic Development Data Analyst)

Steer • Pittsburgh, PA

3h • Hybrid

About The Position

Fourth Economy's Economic Development Analyst Internship is open to graduate students and recent graduates with a focus in applied economics, data analytics, statistics, public policy, business, planning, or project management. Data Analysts will work with analytics staff at Fourth Economy to collect and analyze various economic and demographic data to provide insights for clients, focusing on specific topic areas. The Data Analyst will be given a project plan with goals and expectations, but the work will require the analyst to take initiative and flex their problem-solving skills. In addition to data analysis and research, interns will have opportunities to support Fourth Economy's community engagement efforts, including in-person stakeholder meetings, public engagement activities, workshops, and events in the Pittsburgh region. This exposure will provide valuable experience connecting data and analysis with real-world community planning and decision-making processes. Fourth Economy is looking for a motivated data analyst with an interest in working with communities to co-create Economic Development Strategies & Economic Vision and Action Plans, Industry and Market Trend Forecasting, Neighborhood Business District Development Strategic Plans & Technical Assistance, Outdoor and Cultural Economy Assessment and Planning, Economic Impact Analysis, Housing Analysis, Jobs of the Future and Workforce Analysis, Equitable Development Planning, Economic and Environmental Resilience Planning, and Community Health and Family Supports Assessments. The position would begin in August or September 2026, with a flexible start date. Candidates can anticipate 15-20 hours of work per week. Interns should expect to work primarily in 4- to 5-hour shifts during standard business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET). While we offer flexibility in scheduling and can accommodate different days of the week, work hours must generally occur within this timeframe to support collaboration with project teams, supervisors, clients, and community partners. In addition to project work, interns will meet regularly in Pittsburgh with a personal supervisor, collaborate across the organization, and support occasional in-person meetings, engagement activities, and events. The position must be physically located in Pittsburgh, PA, with a mix of remote and in-person work. An internship at Fourth Economy offers the opportunity to apply analytical skills to real-world challenges facing communities, organizations, and regions across the country. Interns work alongside experienced consultants on projects that influence economic development, housing, workforce systems, community health, quality of life, and organizational strategy. At Fourth Economy, data is only one part of the story. Interns gain experience connecting research and analysis with community engagement, strategic planning, and decision-making processes that help shape stronger, more resilient communities. Through mentorship, project work, and collaboration across teams, interns will strengthen their technical skills while developing a deeper understanding of how data informs meaningful change. The right candidate will be curious, collaborative, and motivated by the opportunity to create positive impact. Successful interns will leave with practical consulting experience, exposure to a wide range of projects and clients, and a strong professional network. For high-performing interns, there may be opportunities to extend the internship or be considered for future full-time positions with Fourth Economy.

Requirements

• Graduate students or recent graduates with a focus in applied economics, data analytics, statistics, public policy, business, planning, or project management.
• Basic experience working with data in Excel, R, Python, GIS, Tableau, Power BI, or similar analytical and visualization tools. Candidates do not need expertise in every platform, but should demonstrate comfort learning new tools and working with quantitative data.
• Familiarity with public data sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), CDC, HUD, or other economic, demographic, and community development datasets.
• Understanding of foundational concepts in economics, statistics, public policy, planning, geography, business, or related fields, with the ability to interpret and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Strong research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to organize information, identify trends, and develop insights from quantitative and qualitative data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute to reports, presentations, and client-facing materials.
• Interest in economic development, community development, housing, workforce development, equitable development, organizational strategy, public health, or related fields.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience accessing data through APIs is a plus.
• Experience with data visualization and storytelling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze various economic and demographic data to provide insights for clients.
• Support Fourth Economy's community engagement efforts, including in-person stakeholder meetings, public engagement activities, workshops, and events.
• Perform quantitative data analysis from a variety of sources: locate, pull, clean, and analyze key economic and demographic data to inform project work.
• Interpret and visualize technical information and analysis in a clear, concise, and credible manner to help inform client deliverables.
• Explore and evaluate new data sources, helping inform the team’s work in new and existing subject areas.
• Conduct research and engage in topics related to community and economic development.
• Participate as needed in client engagement, including community “build sessions,” interviews, and key stakeholder meetings.
• Actively engage with the team — through meetings, one-on-one interactions, and more — contributing unique ideas and perspective.
• Provide support on proposals.
• Shadow on scoping calls.
• Participate in coffee chats with Fourth Economy and Steer staff to understand work approaches and opportunities.

Benefits

• Competitive wage of $25 per hour for interns.
• Meaningful project experience and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to continue with Fourth Economy across multiple academic semesters, depending on performance, workload, and organizational needs.
• Opportunities to be considered for future full-time positions with the firm for high-performing interns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed