Intern (Economic Development Data Analyst)

Steer • Pittsburgh, PA

2d • 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, Community Health and Family Supports Assessments.

Requirements

• 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.
• Interns with an interest in visualization may have opportunities to contribute maps, dashboards, infographics, and other visual products that support client projects and public engagement efforts.

Responsibilities

• Performing quantitative data analysis from a variety of sources: locate, pull, clean, and analyze key economic and demographic data to inform our project work.
• Interpreting and visualizing technical information and analysis in a clear, concise, and credible manner to help inform client deliverables.
• Exploring and evaluating new data sources, helping inform the team’s work in new and existing subject areas.
• Conducing research and engaging in topics related to community and economic development.
• Participating as needed in client engagement, including community “build sessions,” interviews, and key stakeholder meetings.
• Actively engaging with the team — through meetings, one-on-one interactions, and more — contributing your unique ideas and perspective.
• Providing support on proposals, shadowing on scoping calls, participating 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.
• Opportunities 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