Research Intern — Economic Policy & Markets

Overview

This internship spans the full 2026–2027 academic year and is divided into two sessions:

• Session I:
  September 22 – November 19, 2026
• Session II:
  January 6 – April 8, 2027

MFA, based in Washington, DC, New York, Brussels and London, represents the global alternative asset management industry. MFA’s mission is to advance the ability of alternative asset managers to raise capital, invest, and generate returns for their beneficiaries. MFA advocates on behalf of its membership and convenes stakeholders to address global regulatory, operational, and business issues. MFA’s member firms collectively manage a diverse group of investment strategies.

Member firms help pension plans, university endowments, charitable foundations, and other institutional investors diversify their investments, manage risk, and generate attractive returns over time.

• Monitor and summarize key economic, regulatory, and policy developments affecting the alternative investment industry.
• Assist in compiling and analyzing data for internal and external research publications.
• Draft memos, research briefs, and charts to support MFA’s policy positions and advocacy materials.
• Conduct background research on industry trends, regulatory proposals, and legislative activity.
• Support the Research team in developing presentations and written materials for senior staff and member communications.
• Track and synthesize research from think tanks, government agencies, and academic sources.
• Help maintain and update datasets, models, and internal research tools used by MFA.
• Collaborate with the Research team, Managing Director, and Analysts on daily projects and related tasks as needed.
• Develop and present a capstone intern research project.

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Economics, finance, statistics, data science, public policy, or other research-related disciplines are preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, Stata, or R).
• Able to commit to both sessions is preferred (Session I: September 22 – November 19, 2026, and Session II: January 6 – April 8, 2027).
• Available to work a minimum of 25 hours per week, with required in-office attendance in the Washington DC office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and optional remote work on Monday and Friday. Daily hours are flexible within MFA’s 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. business hours.
• Experience producing detail-oriented research projects.
• Experience or interest in the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a culture that values being a good teammate, communicator, and partner.
• Demonstrated ability to self-start, think ahead, problem solve, and engage proactively with high professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.