About Fourth Economy
Fourth Economy is a national consulting firm that collaborates with communities, organizations, and regions to imagine and build resilient, inclusive, and thriving futures. Founded in Pittsburgh in 2010, we believe that lasting impact comes from genuine partnership. Each client and each project is distinct. We intentionally combine research, analytics, planning, strategy development, and community engagement to create data-driven strategies shaped by the people they affect.
We work across a wide range of markets and industries, including business districts, housing, community health, cultural and outdoor economies, equitable development, emerging industries, organizational strategy, environment and climate, and quality of life and place. In each of these areas, we help clients solve complex problems by exploring new ideas, elevating community voices, and designing solutions that are practical, creative, and grounded in equity.
In 2021, Fourth Economy joined Steer, a global consultancy specializing in transportation, infrastructure, and urban development. Steer brings deep expertise in strategy, advisory, planning, and design, helping clients worldwide navigate the systems that shape how people move, live, and work.
Together, we combine innovative, people-centered solutions with global expertise. Our expanded team helps communities and organizations not only plan for the future but also create it – delivering measurable outcomes that strengthen economies, improve quality of life, and expand opportunity for all.
The OpportunityWHO
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.
WHAT
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:
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Economic Development Strategies & Economic Vision and Action Plans
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Industry and Market Trend Forecasting
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Neighborhood Business District Development Strategic Plans & Technical Assistance
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Outdoor and Cultural Economy Assessment and Planning
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Economic Impact Analysis
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Housing Analysis
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Jobs of the Future and Workforce Analysis
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Equitable Development Planning
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Economic and Environmental Resilience Planning
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Community Health and Family Supports Assessments
WHEN
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.
WHERE
The position must be physically located in Pittsburgh, PA, with a mix of remote and in-person work.
WHY
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
Required Skills & Experience
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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.
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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. Experience accessing data through APIs is a plus.
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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.
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Strong research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to organize information, identify trends, and develop insights from quantitative and qualitative data.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute to reports, presentations, and client-facing materials.
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Interest in economic development, community development, housing, workforce development, equitable development, organizational strategy, public health, or related fields.
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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.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
How You’ll Spend Your Time
Client Work (approximately 90%)
In this position, you will serve in a support capacity on several projects. You will also have a chance to participate in other areas of our work if your interests align, including community outreach and engagement, research and strategy development, and more. Client work consists of:
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Performing quantitative data analysis from a variety of sources: locate, pull, clean, and analyze key economic and demographic data to inform our project work.
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Interpreting and visualizing technical information and analysis in a clear, concise, and credible manner to help inform client deliverables.
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Exploring and evaluating new data sources, helping inform the team’s work in new and existing subject areas.
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Conducing research and engaging in topics related to community and economic development.
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Participating as needed in client engagement, including community “build sessions,” interviews, and key stakeholder meetings.
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Actively engaging with the team — through meetings, one-on-one interactions, and more — contributing your unique ideas and perspective.
Professional Development & Internal Support (approximately 10%)
In addition to client work, interns will participate in professional development, business development, and internal support. This may consist of providing support on proposals, shadowing on scoping calls, participating in coffee chats with Fourth Economy and Steer staff to understand work approaches and opportunities, and more. Interns will be able to see and participate in a wide range of business activities, and will be encouraged to pursue areas of particular interest.
Application and Interview Process
We use a structured, skills-focused hiring process designed to help us understand each candidate's experience, interests, and potential fit with Fourth Economy.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in July 2026. Candidates selected to move forward can expect to be contacted beginning in mid-July, with interviews occurring throughout July and August until the position is filled.
Please submit the following materials:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
A cover letter describing your interest in the role, Fourth Economy, and the work we do. We encourage applicants to write in their own voice instead of AI, and share their genuine interests, experiences, and perspectives.
Sample of Work
The sample of work can take a variety of forms, including a research paper, article, memo, report, dashboard, map, presentation, or other work product. The sample should be something you are proud of and that reflects your analytical, research, communication, or design skills. Applicants should be the primary author of the work submitted. If the sample was created collaboratively, please identify the sections, pages, or components that represent your contributions.
Interview Process
We use a structured, stage-based hiring process. Not all applicants will advance to each round.
Stage 1: Initial Interview (30 minutes, Zoom)
A conversation with the hiring manager and direct supervisor focused on your background, interests, experience, and alignment with the position.
Stage 2: Team Interview & Scenario Discussion (30–45 minutes, Zoom or In Person)
Selected candidates will meet with members of the Fourth Economy team to discuss their experience in greater depth and work through a project-related scenario or discussion exercise.
Stage 3: Final Conversation (30 minutes, Zoom or In Person)
One to two finalists will meet with firm leadership to discuss role expectations, team fit, professional goals, and potential start dates.
We aim to provide timely communication throughout the process and appreciate the time and effort candidates invest in applying.
Benefits
Compensation
We offer a competitive wage of $25 per hour for interns.
Internships are designed to provide meaningful project experience and professional development opportunities. Successful interns may have the opportunity to continue with Fourth Economy across multiple academic semesters, depending on performance, workload, and organizational needs. For high-performing interns, there may also be opportunities to be considered for future full-time positions with the firm.
