Summer Internship

The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness

Rosslyn, VA

Date Posted:
March 2, 2026

Closing Date:
April 15, 2026

Are you passionate aboutstrengtheningregions and communities across the United States?

Join the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) as aninternandputyour skillsto work where it matters.

CREC isa non-profit organization founded in 2000 and dedicated to equipping policymakers with data-driven insights todriveregional economic growth. Our mission is to empower communities—rural and metropolitan alike—to developpracticaljob-creating and growth strategies. CREC’s work spans research, technical assistance, policy advising,network management,and training in economic development, workforce development, and higher education.

CREC is offering a paid internship for Summer
2026(May– August),inits

Arlington,Virginia offices.
Candidates must belocated, or plan to belocated, in the Washington, DC metro area .This role is ideal for Master’sstudents or recent

Bachelorsdegreegraduatesinterestedin economic development, public policy, research, or data science. As an intern,you’ll contribute to research and consulting projects, gaining hands-on experience andpracticalindustryknowledge.

• Commitment:40hours per week, with flexible scheduling to support academic responsibilities
• Location:
  
  CREC’s Arlington, VA office in Rosslyn
• Pay Rate: $22-25 per hour, based on experience
• Duration:
  
  May through August
  2026
• Final date to receive applications:
  
  April 15 th , 2026(Applications considered on a rolling basis starting
  
  April 1 st )

If you’re eager to apply your analytical skills to real-world challenges and contribute to meaningfuleconomicand workforcedevelopmentwork, we encourage you to apply.

• Maintain Key Data Products: Assist with the upkeep of C2ER’s signature databases, including the Cost of Living Index, the State Business Incentives Database, and the State and Local Economic Development Strategies Database (SLEDS). This includes conducting online research, data entry, validation, and analysis.
• Research & Analysis: Conduct research for CREC consulting projects, which may include literature reviews, data analysis, and creating visual reports (charts, graphs, and maps) for diverse clients across government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors.
• Content Development: Develop web and media content for economic and workforce development practitioners, helping to communicate essential information and resources.
• Professional Network Support : Assist in supporting associations of economic development professionals and public data users through targeted research and resources.

This internship offers hands-on experience with exposure to national-level research and analysis. It’s an excellent opportunity for those passionate aboutdata-drivensolutionsandadvancingeconomic and workforce development for communities across the country.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Public Administration, Urban and Regional Planning, or a related field;
  
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to gather and interpret economic data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting reports and presenting findings.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.
• Must be based in, or planning to relocate to,the Washington, DC metro area.

• Experience with video editing, including cutting, trimming, and adding transitions to produce polished, engaging content.
• Graphic design abilities for creating visually compelling reports and presentations.
• Familiarity with data analysis software such as R, Stata, or Tableau.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a 1–5-page writing sample by clicking the link below.