Are you an economics student looking for a way to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and earn some money while studying? If so, you might want to consider applying for a paid economics internship.
A paid economics internship can offer you the opportunity to work on real-world projects, conduct research and analysis, and contribute to the work of various organizations, such as think tanks, international institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, or corporations.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of 15 paid economics internships that are regularly offered by reputable organizations around the world.
1. OECD Internship Programme
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD Internship Programme is designed to bring highly qualified and motivated students with diverse backgrounds into the organisation to work on projects linked to the strategic orientations of the Secretary-General and to support the corporate functions of the organisation.
- Duration: Minimum one month
- Location: Paris, France, or other OECD offices
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in a full-time degree programme for the duration of the internship in a field or discipline related to the work of the OECD; excellent command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn the other; solid quantitative and IT skills; excellent drafting and communication skills; capable of working in a multicultural and international team environment.
- Application: Online application platform open throughout the year
- Website: https://www.oecd.org/careers/internship-programme/
2. IMF Fund Internship Program
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 190 countries that works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty. The IMF Fund Internship Program (FIP) provides an opportunity for doctoral students to gain an insider experience of the integrated, member country-focused, mandate and work of the IMF.
- Duration: 10 to 12 weeks between June and October
- Location: Washington DC, USA or other IMF offices
- Eligibility: Students with an academic focus in monetary and international economics, public finance, financial markets, economics, or a related field; strong analytical and quantitative skills; excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Application: Online application platform is open from December 1 to January 31
- Website: https://www.imf.org/en/About/Recruitment/working-at-the-imf/fund-internship-program
3. World Bank Group Internship Program
The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions that works to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity by providing financing, advice, and solutions to the challenges faced by developing countries. The World Bank Group Internship Program offers highly motivated individuals an opportunity to be exposed to the mission and work of the World Bank Group in international development.
- Duration: Minimum four weeks
- Location: Washington DC, USA or other World Bank Group offices
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in a full-time graduate study program pursuing a master’s degree or PhD with plans to return to school in a full-time capacity; fluent in English; relevant coursework or experience in economics or related fields; additional languages are advantageous.
- Application: Online application platform open twice a year (December/January for summer internships and October for winter internships)
- Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/internship
4. Federal Reserve Board Research Assistant Program
The Federal Reserve Board is the central bank of the United States that conducts monetary policy, supervises and regulates financial institutions, maintains financial stability, and provides financial services. The Research Assistant Program offers an opportunity for recent college graduates with a strong interest in economics to assist economists at the Board on topics such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, banking and finance, international economics, and applied econometrics.
- Duration: Two-year commitment
- Location: Washington DC, USA
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, or related fields; strong academic record; proficiency in statistical software packages such as Stata or Matlab; excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Application: Online application platform is open from August 15 to October 15 for Fall Recruitment Cycle and October 21 to January 31 for Spring Recruitment Cycle.
- Website: https://www.federalreserve.gov/careers-research-assistants.htm
5. European Central Bank Traineeship Programme
The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the euro area that conducts monetary policy, supervises banks, maintains financial stability, and provides banking services to European institutions. The Traineeship Programme offers an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience and insight into the work of the ECB in various fields, such as economics, statistics, banking supervision, legal services, communication, and administration.
- Duration: Varies depending on the position (usually between three and 12 months)
- Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Eligibility: Students or recent graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; fluent in English and at least one other official language of the EU; interest in European affairs and central banking; ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Application: Online application platform open throughout the year
- Website: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/careers/what-we-offer/traineeship/html/index.en.html
6. Deloitte Consulting Summer Scholar Program
Deloitte is a global professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting, risk advisory, and financial advisory services to clients across various industries. The Consulting Summer Scholar Program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to work as part of a project team and deliver innovative solutions to real business challenges faced by Deloitte’s clients.
- Duration: 8 to 10 weeks between June and August
- Location: Various offices across the US
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are currently pursuing a degree with a business-related major or minor (such as economics) and have strong academic credentials; demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills; willingness to travel.
- Application: Online application platform
- Website: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-undergraduate-degree-opportunities.html
7. IDB Internship Program
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is a regional development bank that supports economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB Internship Program offers students the opportunity to learn about the IDB’s work and to collaborate with its staff on various projects and initiatives.
- Duration: Four to six months
- Location: Washington, D.C., or other IDB offices
- Eligibility: Graduate-level students at an accredited university or a recent graduate of a Master’s or a Ph.D.; at least 23 years old; nationals of IDB member countries; fluent in English; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Application: Online application platform open twice a year (March of the same year for summer internships and October of the previous year for winter internships)
- Website: https://jobs.iadb.org/en/internships
8. ADB Internship Program
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank that aims to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific. The ADB Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to contribute to ADB’s work and gain experience in various aspects of its operations.
- Duration: 8 to 11 weeks
- Location: Manila, Philippines, or other ADB offices
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in a Master’s degree or Ph.D. program in economics, finance, development, environment, engineering, or other related fields; nationals of ADB member countries; proficient in English; able to work well with others in a diverse environment.
- Application: Online application platform open twice a year
- Website: https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/internship-program
9. Brookings Institution Research Internship Program
The Brookings Institution is a non-profit public policy organization that conducts in-depth research and analysis on a range of issues affecting the US and the world, such as economics, foreign policy, governance, health, and urban development. The Research Internship Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to work alongside leading experts and scholars on various research projects and initiatives.
- Duration: 10 to 12 weeks
- Location: Washington DC, USA, hybrid, or remote
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with a strong academic background and interest in public policy; excellent research, writing, and communication skills; knowledge of foreign languages, statistical software, or graphic design is desirable.
- Application: Online application platform open three times a year for summer internships; fall internships and spring internships)
- Website: https://www.brookings.edu/internships/
10. UNDP Internship Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UNDP Internship Programme offers a small group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work.
- Duration: Minimum six weeks to maximum six months
- Location: Various UNDP offices around the world
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in a development-related field such as economics; excellent command of English; knowledge of another UN language is an asset; interest in the field of development and the work of UNDP.
- Application: Online application platform open throughout the year
- Website: https://www.undp.org/internships
11. CBO Summer Internship Program
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a nonpartisan agency that provides Congress with objective, timely, and impartial analysis of budgetary and economic issues to support the budget process. The CBO Summer Internship Program offers an opportunity for graduate students in economics and related fields to contribute to CBO’s work in program areas such as budget and tax policy, health care, national defense, the environment, education, retirement, immigration, and international trade.
- Duration: 10 weeks between June and August
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility: Students pursuing a graduate degree in economics or a related field; strong academic record; strong quantitative and analytical skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; interest in understanding the federal budget process.
- Application: Online application platform open in January
- Website: https://www.cbo.gov/about/careers/internships
12. Goldman Sachs Internships
Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm that serves a diverse range of clients. Goldman Sachs Internships give students a unique opportunity to learn about the finance industry by working side by side with experts. Interns work on real projects, receive feedback and guidance, and participate in various learning and networking activities.
- Duration: Eight to 10 weeks
- Location: Various Goldman Sachs offices around the world
- Eligibility: Students from any academic discipline who are in their penultimate year of study; have strong academic performance; have excellent communication
- Application: Online application platform
- Website: https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/students/programs/index.html
13. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Internship
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization committed to educating the public on issues with significant fiscal policy impact. The Committee offers internships year-round for students interested in fiscal policy issues.
- Duration: Varies depending on availability
- Location: Remote in Washington, DC but in-person is preferred.
- Eligibility: Enrolment in or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate program; interest in fiscal policy issues, federal budget, and economic policy issues; strong research and writing skills;
- Application: Online application platform open throughout the year
- Website: https://www.crfb.org/jobs/internship-summer-2023
14. Council on Foreign Relations Internship
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. CFR offers internships for students interested in various aspects of international affairs, such as economics, history, political economy, security studies, and more.
- Duration: Varies depending on availability
- Location: New York, NY or Washington, DC
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in a full-time degree program for the duration of the internship in economics, political science, international relations, or related fields; interest in foreign policy issues; strong research and writing skills; familiarity with foreign language(s) a plus.
- Application: Online application platform open throughout the year
- Website: https://www.cfr.org/career-opportunities/internships
15. Citi Bank Internships
Citi is a global bank that provides financial services and products to individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions. Citi Internships offer students a chance to work in various functions and businesses within the bank, such as corporate banking, markets, technology, treasury, and more.
- Duration: Short-term (10-12 weeks) and Long-term (6-24 months)
- Location: Varies depending on the internship
- Eligibility: Available for analysts (undergraduate and Master’s students) and associates (MBA/Ph.D. students), where applicable.; have strong academic performance; have excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills; demonstrate an interest in banking and finance
- Application: Online application platform open throughout the year
- Website: https://careers.citigroup.com/students-and-graduates/
There are many paid economics internships available for students who want to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and earn some money while studying. These internships can help you explore different career options, network with professionals, and enhance your resume. If you are interested in applying for any of these internships, make sure to check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and selection process carefully.
Don’t miss this opportunity to kick-start your career in economics. Apply for a paid economics internship today and get ready to make an impact on the world!