WS - INTERNSHIP - Center for Public Service Policy Analyst - FWS

Division: Academic Affairs | Department: Career Pathways | Entry-level | Reports to: Director of the Center for Public Service (Dr. Tyler Syck)

Internship Window: Fall or Spring Semester | Location: University of Pikeville, Center for Public Service, 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY

About the role

The Policy Analyst Intern will support the Center for Public Service's research and policy initiatives, with particular emphasis on understanding and addressing the economic, civic, and social challenges facing Appalachia. This internship provides hands-on experience in policy research, statistical analysis, and report writing. Interns will work closely with Center leadership while gaining practical exposure to careers in public policy, research, and regional development.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze economic, civic, and demographic trends affecting Appalachian communities.
• Draft policy reports and briefs on issues such as economic development, education, healthcare access, and civic infrastructure in the region.
• Collect, clean, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data using standard statistical tools.
• Assist the Director in preparing testimony, white papers, and briefing materials for policymakers and partner organizations.
• Support research for the Center's fellowship and programmatic initiatives, including the Allegheny Civic Fellowship.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize existing research on rural and Appalachian policy issues.
• Help design data visualizations, charts, and summaries to communicate findings to general and academic audiences.
• Assist the Director and Program Associate in researching and drafting grant proposals related to policy and research initiatives.

Skills

• Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning abilities.
• Clear, precise writing suited to policy and research audiences.
• Interest in Appalachian studies, public policy, and regional development.
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively on research projects.

Competencies developed: Communication, Teamwork, Professionalism, Career & Self Development, Critical Thinking, Community Transformation, Leadership, Technology.

Schedule

Flexible scheduling coordinated with the Director and Program Associate. Hours will vary depending on research deadlines and program needs. Student must work a minimum of 80 hours in the semester and enroll concurrently into CVL 401: Integrated Internship Experience, successfully completing this course to receive credit. Credit hours awarded based on total hours worked:

• 80-119 hours = 2 credit hours
• 120-159 hours = 3 credit hours
• 160-199 hours = 4 credit hours
• 200-239 hours = 5 credit hours
• 240+ hours = 6 credit hours

Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Pay

Beginning at $8.75/hour