Intern Economist

Talan UK and Ireland (part of the Talan Group) is an expert provider of professional services. Our vision and mission is to take positive action in a complex world for the future good of people and the environment and to enlighten and enable our clients’ transformation in an increasingly complex world. We are purpose-driven, working across multiple sectors, tackling social and environmental challenges, improving and simplifying the way markets work, harnessing the power of digital transformation and ensuring data is protected and used ethically. Talan provides a range of consultancy and outsourcing capabilities including programme management, market design and governance. We also have extensive and award-winning capabilities across cyber security, data privacy and digital transformation. We are Great Place to Work accredited.

The nature of what we do means we are very much a people business. The contribution every member of the team makes to our diverse range of experience, skills and personalities is valued. We invest heavily in learning and development to enable our people to develop skills and gain experience which will enhance career prospects for life. Many who started their careers with us have rapidly progressed to more senior positions. No two days are the same, but we believe in a flexible approach to working which we know our employees value.

The Role

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.

What you’ll gain

• 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

Responsibilities

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.

• Supporting Economic Analysis
• 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
• Research, Communication and Project Support
• 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

Qualifications Requirements

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 skills, including the ability to explain research or analysis in a structured and accessible way
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, ask questions and respond positively to feedback
• Confidence using data and spreadsheets, with a willingness to develop modelling and analytical skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Interest in UK politics, public policy, energy, climate change or sustainability
• Relevant university modules, dissertation work, volunteering, internship experience or part‑time work connected to economics, policy, data, energy or the environment
• Experience working with others to deliver a project, presentation, research task or analytical assignment
• Experience using Excel for analysis, charts or simple modelling
• Exposure to Python, R, Power BI or other analytical tools
• Experience completing data analysis, statistics or econometrics as part of academic study or previous work experience

Upon employment, employees should also have a sound awareness of the Company's Information, Quality, Environmental and Energy Management Systems.

Additional Information

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments

Our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. As a socially responsible leader, Talan continually invests in sustainable growth, addressing both social and environmental challenges. We achieve this while preserving our core values and ensuring operational excellence for our clients. This commitment to excellence extends across all aspects of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

For the past three years, through our 360° approach to social and environmental responsibility, we have been driving significant change and strengthening these principles within our corporate DNA. The solid foundations we've been building since 2021 are enabling our organisation to transform in a sustainable and positive manner.

Disability Inclusion

We recognise that the diversity of legislative and cultural frameworks for supporting individuals with disabilities requires the implementation of specific policies and a unique approach in each country where the Group operates. Talan is committed to strengthening its involvement in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities by implementing dedicated support systems and raising awareness among our teams on these issues.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Reward and recognition schemes
• Flexible working
• Private Bupa healthcare (subsidised)
• Life Assurance (up to 4 times annual salary)
• Matched pension contributions
• Season Ticket Loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Buy and Sell annual leave
• Reimbursement of eye test and up to £50 towards glasses or contacts
• Corporate gym rates
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Summer and Christmas parties, along with monthly Social@77