Intern Economist

We’re looking for an Intern Economist to join Talan’s Strategy and Energy Consulting team on a structured, development-focused placement. You will support project teams with research, data analysis and written outputs that help inform client work across energy, climate, policy and economic analysis. Based across Birmingham and London, the team includes policy analysts, economists, consultants and project managers who work together to support clients through the low‑carbon transition.

This internship is designed for someone at the early stage of their career who is interested in economics, public policy, energy or sustainability, and wants to build practical consulting experience. You will have the opportunity to learn how economic evidence is gathered, analysed and communicated, while contributing to live projects in areas such as hydrogen, heat pumps, biofuels, energy efficiency and other low‑carbon technologies.

You will work under the supervision of experienced colleagues and will not be expected to arrive as a finished consultant. The role will give you exposure to practical economic analysis, policy research, data handling, report writing and presentation development, with regular guidance and feedback to help you develop your confidence and skills.

The energy industry is undergoing a major transition to decarbonise. This internship will give you an opportunity to understand that transition, contribute to meaningful project work, and explore whether a career in economics, policy or energy consulting is right for you.

• Practical experience contributing to real client projects in energy, climate, policy, and economic analysis
• Exposure to how evidence, data, and economic thinking are used to inform policy and investment decisions
• Structured support from experienced consultants and economists, including coaching, feedback, and opportunities to develop your analytical, writing, and consulting skills

The role will involve supporting varied assignments with industry and government clients. You will help project teams gather evidence, analyse data, understand policy developments and develop clear outputs. You will work as part of a team and will be supported to take on appropriate responsibilities as your confidence and experience grow.

• Assisting with quantitative analysis such as cost comparisons, policy impact analysis, scenario analysis and basic economic or financial appraisal
• Gathering, cleaning, and organising data from public sources, client materials, and internal analysis to support project work
• Helping compare policy options, business models and low‑carbon technologies using commercial, economic, social and environmental criteria
• Supporting the development of spreadsheets, calculations, charts and evidence packs, with guidance from project colleagues

• Carrying out desk research and summarising findings clearly for project teams
• Helping translate data and evidence into clear messages, charts, written reports and PowerPoint slides
• Contributing to evidence bases and logical arguments that support policy, strategy and investment recommendations
• Building confidence in communicating complex topics in plain English to colleagues and, where appropriate, clients

The role is ideally suited to someone currently studying for, or recently completed, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics, finance, public policy, environmental policy, data science or another numerate subject. We are looking for someone who is curious, comfortable working with numbers, keen to learn, and able to communicate clearly. Previous consulting experience is not required.

• Currently studying for, or recently completed, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Data Science or another numerate subject
• Good numerical and analytical skills, with an interest in applying them to real‑world policy, energy or sustainability questions
• Clear written and verbal communication…