Application Guide

How to Apply for Economics Research Intern

at The Environmental Defense Fund

🏢 About The Environmental Defense Fund

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a leading global environmental organization known for combining science, economics, and law to create innovative, market-based solutions. Working at EDF means joining a mission-driven team that has a proven track record of influencing policy and corporate practices, offering a unique opportunity to apply economic research to real-world environmental challenges.

About This Role

As an Economics Research Intern, you'll contribute to cutting-edge projects that quantify the health and climate impacts of petrochemical pollution, helping to inform investors and policymakers. This role is impactful because your research will directly support strategies to reduce pollution and promote sustainable investment, aligning with EDF's mission to create lasting environmental change.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a team check-in over Zoom, then you'll dive into analyzing emissions data from industrial facilities, using Excel or GIS to create visualizations. You could spend part of the afternoon drafting a section for a policy memo or conducting literature research, and finish by updating a project tracker and preparing questions for an upcoming stakeholder interview.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For

  • A student or recent graduate in public policy, environmental studies, economics, or a related field, with a strong interest in the intersection of environment and finance.
  • Proficient in data analysis and visualization, with experience using Excel for statistical analysis and creating clear charts/graphs to communicate emissions data.
  • Skilled in technical writing, able to draft clear, concise memos and reports for diverse audiences, including investors and policymakers.
  • Familiar with GIS tools like ArcGIS or QGIS is a plus, as you'll be mapping industrial facility data to identify patterns.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Environmental Defense Fund

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with environmental data, economic analysis, or research projects, using specific examples of your contributions.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your interest in petrochemical pollution and how your skills can help EDF measure and mitigate its impacts.

3

If you have GIS experience, showcase a sample map or project in your portfolio or as an attachment, as this is a preferred skill.

4

Research EDF's recent reports on petrochemicals and reference one in your application to show you've done your homework.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively, with examples of past remote work or projects.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for using economic and data-driven approaches to solve environmental problems, specifically related to pollution and public health.', "Specific skills in data analysis (Excel, GIS) and how you've used them to interpret complex data in past academic or project work.", 'Your ability to conduct research and synthesize findings into clear, actionable reports for stakeholders like investors or policymakers.', "Why you're drawn to EDF's mission and how this internship aligns with your career goals in environmental economics or policy."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore EDF's website, especially their work on 'Petrochemicals' and 'Climate and Health' to understand their current projects and publications.
  • → Read recent EDF reports or press releases about petrochemical pollution and investor engagement to grasp their approach and language.
  • → Look into the concept of 'stranded assets' and how investors are evaluating environmental risks, as this relates to the investor scoping strategy.
  • → Research the types of data available on industrial emissions, such as EPA's Toxic Release Inventory, to understand what you'll be working with.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Why are you interested in the intersection of economics and environmental health, and how does this role fit into your career path?
2 Describe a time you analyzed a dataset to draw meaningful conclusions. What tools did you use and how did you present your findings?
3 How would you approach quantifying the health impacts of a specific pollutant? What data sources and methods might you consider?
4 How do you stay current on environmental policy and market trends? Can you discuss a recent development in petrochemical regulation?
5 As a remote intern, how do you plan to stay productive and communicate effectively with your team?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention EDF or the specific focus on petrochemicals—this shows lack of genuine interest.
  • Underestimating the importance of data visualization skills; be sure to highlight any experience with Excel charts, dashboards, or mapping.
  • Failing to demonstrate any knowledge of environmental economics or policy, making it seem like you're just looking for any internship.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Environmental Defense Fund!

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