GLS is seeking a Research & Insights Intern to support the firm’s research, thought leadership, and strategic analysis initiatives.
This internship provides hands-on experience in:
- Economic development research
- Corporate investment trends
- Strategic consulting insights
Data-driven analysis
The intern will work closely with the GLS team to analyze industry trends, support thought leadership initiatives, and help translate complex data into clear insights for executives and policymakers.
This role is ideal for students interested in consulting, economic development, policy research, or data-driven strategy.
Key Responsibilities
The Research & Insights Intern will support a variety of research and knowledge development initiatives, including:
Research & Analysis
- Conduct research on corporate investment trends, industry growth patterns, and regional economic competitiveness
- Analyze workforce, logistics, and economic development data relevant to site selection projects
Support benchmarking and comparative analysis across U.S. regions and industries
Thought Leadership Development
- Assist in producing weekly insights related to site selection and economic competitiveness
- Support the development of GLS research publications and presentations
- Help transform past GLS presentations and research into reusable insights and knowledge resources
Knowledge Organization
- Help build and maintain an internal research database of GLS insights, presentations, and thought leadership materials
- Organize research content so it can be easily accessed and reused across projects
Data and Technology Exploration
- Assist with evaluating AI and data tools that improve research workflows
- Support efforts to structure and analyze large sets of qualitative and quantitative information
Example Internship Projects
Interns may work on projects such as:
- Researching emerging trends in advanced manufacturing investment
- Supporting preparation of industry benchmarking reports
- Producing a weekly site selection insight for GLS thought leadership channels
- Organizing historical GLS research and presentations into a searchable knowledge base
- Exploring AI tools that support strategic research and analysis
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, students will gain experience in:
- Understanding how companies evaluate locations for major investments
- Conducting structured economic and market research
- Translating complex data into clear strategic insights
- Supporting thought leadership and consulting research initiatives
- Applying emerging tools and technology to research workflows
Interns will also gain exposure to how consulting firms support corporate decision-making and economic development strategy.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Current undergraduate or graduate student
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
- Interest in economic development, consulting, business strategy, or public policy
- Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources
- Curiosity about how data and insights shape real-world decisions
Preferred Fields of Study
Students from a variety of majors may be strong candidates, including:
- Economics
- Business / Business Analytics
- Public Policy
- Political Science
- Data Science / Data Analytics
- Geography or Urban Planning
- International Business
Students from other disciplines with strong analytical skills are encouraged to apply.
Why This Internship Is Unique
Unlike many internships that focus on administrative tasks, this role provides direct exposure to strategic consulting research and thought leadership development.
Interns will work on projects that help shape how corporations and communities think about investment, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.
