Prepare for your future at the Federal Reserve

Atlanta

Recruitment cycle

RAs: Recruiting starts in the early fall through spring, with a summer start.

Interns: Recruitment throughout the year. Summer program recruitment begins in September with offers going out in January/February for a May start. Survey Center interns start in the fall, spring, and summer and the recruitment cycle is ongoing all year.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in economics, mathematics, finance, statistics, computer science, or related fields.
• GPA: No hard requirement but generally prefer students with a 3.0 and above.
• Experience: Past RA or TA positions in an academic setting, prior relevant internships, publications or class projects on a relevant topic.
• Tech: Dependent on position (e.g. R/Stata or other programming languages for RA, coding or cybersecurity training for IT or ISD, design portfolio for marketing/pulic affairs, etc.)
• We do not hire international students for the RA program; however, we do for the intern program if you have CPT authorization and are not from a restricted country.

Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter (or letter of intent), and transcripts (unofficial).

Interview tips

Interviews are typically a series of video calls with the hiring manager, with economists, and one with current research analysts.

• Be prepared with relevant and real world examples of work, experience, or knowledge. Be ready to answer a question with a project, paper, or code that you worked on to demostrate your knowledge.
• Be genuine and transparent. If you don't know or don't have that specific job skill find an example that is closely related and could translate to that desired skill. Always end on a positive attitude and say you're open to learning that skill quickly.
• Follow up with a thank you note to your interviewers. This is a lost art.

Boston

Recruitment cycle 

Research Assistants: Applications accepted in late August through October for positions starting the following June.

Interns: Applications accepted mid to late January through February for positions that start in May.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, math, statistics, computer science, international relations, or related field with a concentration in economics.
• Familiarity with programming languages and statistical software packages such as Stata, Python, Matlab, R, and knowledge of statistics and econometrics.
• Prior research or classroom experience analyzing data.
• Applicants should be US citizens or permanent residents.

Application Materials

Cover letter, resume, college transcript, writing sample, two letters of recommendation with at least one from an economics professor

Interview tips

Be specific in your cover letter. Tell us why you want to explore economics as a career path and why we should choose you for the program. Be prepared to articulate your interests and readiness for the program in your interviews and ask questions to make sure we are a good fit for you!

Chicago

Recruitment cycle

Research Assistants: Our application cycle opens by August 31st of each year and is rolling. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by October 1st. Offers are extended on a rolling basis beginning in September in preparation for our cohort start date in July.

Interns: Economic Research Intern applications are posted at the beginning of September and all positions are filled by January 1st. Offers are extended on a rolling basis beginning in September for the cohort start dates in June. Appy early for greatest consideration! 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree with a strong quantitative background (economics, statistics, advanced mathematics, data science, computer science, and related fields)
• Evidence of aptitude for quantitative and analytical skills.
• Exposure to and experience using data/programming languages.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply economic theory and quantitative analysis techniques.
• Statistical software package/programming language experience such as (but not limited to) Rstudio, Python, Stata, MATLAB, etc.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and organizational skills along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• *U.S. Citizenship is required for Research Assistant positions but is not required for our summer Economic Research Internships.

Application Materials

Cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, letter of recommendation for RA positions; References - with contact information - for Interns, writing sample (research related).

Interview tips

Be prepared to talk about your favorite research experience (the tools you used, your analysis, and results) and why you want this position. You are interviewing us, too! Do your research and ask us some questions!

Cleveland

Recruitment cycle

Our research analyst (RA) recruiting cycle typically runs from September through November. We accept applications, conduct interviews, and extend offers throughout the cycle. New RAs typically start in June or July of the following year.

Applications for summer internships follow a similar schedule. We accept international students if they are legally allowed to work in the US.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (completed by the summer of 2025) with emphasis in economics or a closely related field, such as finance, mathematics, statistics, or computer science; knowledge of monetary policy and macroeconomics preferred.
• Working knowledge of econometrics and statistics packages, such as Stata, Matlab, R, or Python.
• Prior research experience in economics strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Application Materials

Resume, transcript, writing sample (related to economics or finance), coding sample.

Interview tips

• Share your research passions, what interests you, what programming languages have you learned? Demonstrate you are interested in the work RAs do.
• Be prepared to speak in depth about whatever research experience you have, no matter how impressive or unimpressive you feel it might be. You’ll want to say more than “I did some data cleaning”, for example. What kind of data? What kind of cleaning, and in which programming language? What problems did you encounter, and how did you solve them?

Dallas

Recruitment cycle

Recruiting cycle for research assistants starts in September, with positions typically starting the following summer. We begin posting summer internship opportunities in the fall.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with classwork in economics, statistics, econometrics, and advanced math/calculus.
• Familiarity with writing programs in software such as Python, Matlab, Stata, R, or Eviews.
• Previous research experience is a plus.
• We not not hire international students at this time.

Application Materials

Resume, writing sample, and transcripts

Interview tips

Be ready to schedule an interview via video chat; if unable to do so, we'll communicate an alternate option.

Let's chat:

• Tell us about yourself and your unique perspectives.
• Meet with other RAs.
• Interview with a few economists.
• Learn about the Dallas Fed's mission, core values, and its diverse and inclusive culture.

Kansas City

Recruitment cycle

Research Assistants: Recruitment for summer 2025 will begin in early fall and continue through November. If there are any unfilled positions we will post applications again in the spring until positions are filled. We review applications on a rolling basis, so applying early is recommended.

Interns: Applications will open around February-March for summer internships and continue until positions are filled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in economics or a closely related field, such as statistics, mathematics, or computer science.
• Coursework or experience in economics required; coursework or experience in econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science highly desirable.
• Strong academic record and experience with empirical research and data analysis highly desirable.
• Proficiency in programming languages and statistical software packages, such as Stata, R, Python, or Matlab, highly desirable.
• We do hire international students for both the RA and intern program.

Application Materials

We require a resume, cover letter, and undergraduate/graduate transcripts. If you are in a master's program, please submit both graduate and undergraduate transcripts, unofficial copies are acceptable. If we schedule an interview with you, we will also ask for letters of recommendation and a writing sample.

Interview tips

We want to learn about your interests and ambitions and tell you more about our work. Ask lots of questions! The interview is just as much for you to learn about us as it is for us to learn about you. Check out our bank website in advance of your interview to learn more about the position and the research we do.

Research Associates page

Research landing page

Minneapolis

Recruitment cycle

When we have RA openings, we usually post them in the late winter or early spring followed by interviews and offers. The hiring process is completed when new RAs start in the summer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics, or database analysis. Advanced coursework in statistics/econometrics preferred.
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills; effective oral and written communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines and work cooperatively within a team environment.
• Verifiable experience with data collection, management, and analysis by using large databases and statistical packages (e.g., Stata, Matlab, R, SAS, Gauss) or other related computer programming experience is preferred.
• We accept international students if they are legally allowed to work in the US.

Application Materials

• Cover letter explaining interest in the position and plans for graduate study afterwards
• Resume/ CV
• Transcript(s)
• Letters of Recommendation: (optional at the time of application but required after initial interview)

Interview tips

Be prepared to share examples from your experiences.

New York

Recruitment cycle

Our research analyst recruiting cycle usually runs from September through November.  Once the research analyst job posting is opened, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Qualifications

• Background in economics, mathematics, statistics, or a related field.
• Experience in data analysis and using statistical packages (e.g., R, Stata, Matlab, Julia, SAS, Gauss, TSP, RATS, EViews, PROCSQL), or other computer programming experience (e.g., Java, C++, Python).
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities and good communication skills.
• We do not accept international students in our RA program.

Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• Academic transcript
• Cover letter (optional)
• Note: Letters of recommendation will not be considered

Interview tips

• Think of a research project you completed for a class and be able to describe it in a clear manner.
• Be prepared to describe your mathematics and economics coursework.

Philadelphia

Recruitment cycle

The RA recruitment cycle begins the preceeding September and typically continues through March of the hiring year. For example, for positions starting summer 2025, the hiring cycle opens in September 2024. 

The Intern recruiting cycle typically begins in December and ends in March for positions that summer. For example, for summer 2025 internships, we would begin accepting applications in December 2024 and complete our hiring in March 2025. 

At this time, we do not accept international students into our RA program, but we do for our intern program.

Qualifications

Our strongest RA applicants have a solid foundation in math, taking at least one proof-based course such as linear algebra, introduction to real analysis, or similar advanced courses. We recommend taking upper-level economics electives that use mathematics, such as advanced econometrics, mathematical economics, and game theory; or pursuing independent research through a senior thesis. We also look for students who have a good background in coding. Coding experience can come from coursework, undergraduate RA experience with professors, or summer internships. 

Interns: Internships are project based and the relevant qualifications are reflected in the job postings. An interest in economics and research, as well as good grades and some coding experience are common characteristics.

Application Materials

When applying for an RA position, we ask our candidates to submit a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript. Students should also be prepared to submit two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors, which we often request during the hiring process. Before applicants interview, we also ask them to complete a short data task to demonstrate their current coding and economic intuition abilities. 

Initial Application: Resume, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript

Upon Request: Two Letters of Recommendation, Data Task

Interview tips

Be prepared to talk about your research and coding experience during the interview! Your resume and cover letter are great places to highlight the key pieces of your experience so far, but we love to hear the details. There are so many decisions researchers face while working on a project. It is great to have examples of challenging choices, paths you could not pursue due to data constraints, and creative solutions you used to arrive at your results. 

Richmond

Recruitment cycle

We typically start our RA hiring in September, and we also have a winter cycle; please subscribe to job alerts to get notified when we start accepting applications.

For summer internships, our available slots and hiring times vary every year; please sign up for alerts to get notified when we start accepting applications.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with extensive coursework in economics (preferred), mathematics (required), and statistics and econometrics (required). 
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher. 
• Experience with computer programming and statistical analysis software packages (such as Python, Stata and R) is highly valued.   
• Evidence of interest in research in the form of previous work experience as a research assistant, or completion of a senior thesis, is a plus.
• Strong oral and written communication, as well as readiness for critical decision making while working independently, are important skills to be successful in this position.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

Application Materials

Transcripts (unofficial are ok initially), a cover letter stating why you are interested in this job, and a resume that showcases the courses and research experience relevant for this job.

Interview tips

Richmond has three rounds of interviews, the last of which allows you to meet virtually with several of the economists looking for RAs. For candidates who do well in the initial two interviews, we will ask for a recommendation letter. 

Let us know if you have timing constraints because of other positions you are interviewing for, and we will try our best to accommodate them.

Richmond Details

San Francisco

Recruitment cycle

Our research associate position is a full-time, two-year position. The recruiting cycle typically starts in August of each year and runs until about October, or until all positions are filled. Position start dates are typically around June of the following year.

Once the posting is opened, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.

There are two rounds of interviews, first with current RAs and then with two or three economists.

Qualifications

• Superior academic record with at least a B.A., B.S. or B.E. that includes a strong quantitative background in econometrics, statistics, math, and/or computer programming
• A demonstrated interest in economics or finance.
• Experience with R, Stata, MATLAB, or Python; other computer programming experience a plus.
• Previous work experience as a Research Assistant also a plus, but not necessary.
• We do not accept international students at this time.

Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Undergraduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• At least one letter of recommendation, sent directly to SF.ER.RARecruiting@sf.frb.org.
• Writing sample (optional)

Interview tips

• Think about what makes the San Francisco Fed stand out to you as a good fit.
• Explore our District page here on Fed Econ Jobs and on our SF Fed Economic Resarch website. Review the topics we study and understand the role of Economic Research within the Bank and Federal Reserve System.
• The interview process is also an opportunity to learn more about the role. Come prepared with questions.

St. Louis

Recruitment cycle

RA recruitment opens in early August and closes in mid October.

Intern recruiting starts in September and closes in November. 

We accept International Students who are on STEM/OPT visas for both interns and RAs. 

• A GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Bachelor’s degree in economics, econometrics, or quantitative economics.
• Strong background in mathematics and statistics, including coursework in Calculus II, Econometrics, Linear Algebra, and Differential equations.
• Previous economic research experience, such as undergraduate research assistant, research-related internship or independent research project.

Application Materials

Applications will not be considered without all of these materials.

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume
• Copy of unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Technical writing sample
• Completed applicant summary file using the following file: https://research.stlouisfed.org/jobopps/RA_Applicant_Summary_File.docx

St. Louis Details

Washington DC

Recruitment cycle

Visit the Board’s website to learn more about the Research Assistant program. RAs are selected during two main recruitment cycles in the fall and spring. Applications are not reviewed until after each respective deadline.

Fall Recruitment Cycle:

• Completed applications accepted September 4 -October 15 (Deadline)
• Interviews conducted October-November.
• Offers extended on a rolling basis starting in October and continuing until the conclusion of the fall cycle.

At the conclusion of the fall cycle, candidates not selected during the fall recruitment cycle will automatically be considered during the spring recruitment cycle. Incomplete applications submitted during the fall recruitment cycle can be completed and considered during the spring recruitment cycle.

Spring Recruitment Cycle:

Completed applications accepted October 21 – January 31 (deadline). Interviews conducted February–April.

RAs start in summer between May and August.

Interns:

Projects posted on career site from August through November.  Interviews conducted November through January. Interns start in May and June.

Dissertation Fellows: 

Fellows are at the Board for 12 weeks and placements are in the Divisions of Financial Stability, International Finance, Monetary Affairs, and Research and Statistics.

• Most positions are offered in the summer, but occasionally we have positions in the spring and fall.
• Applications open January 1 and interested students may visit our careers website to apply.
• For priority consideration for the summer, applications should be submitted by February 15. Applications received after this date still may be considered depending upon where we are in the evaluation process. 
• Summer fellows usually start in late May or in June.

Qualifications

Research Assistant Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, statistics, math, data science, public policy, or a related field with demonstrated economics coursework.
• Knowledge of economic principles, quantitative techniques, and data analysis.
• Statistical software package or programming language experience such as Stata, R, MatLab, Linux/Unix, VBA, and others.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, initiative, integrity, and experience working both independently and collaboratively.
• US citizenship is required for Research Assistant positions. 

Intern Qualifications:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited university and returning to continue studies after the internship.
• Candidates are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement, recommendations, completed coursework in relevant areas of study, and in some cases, grade point average.
• US citizenship is required for intern positions

Dissertation Fellows:

The Board is interested in PhD candidates with specialties drawn from a broad range of topics in economics and finance, including, among others: behavioral economics; econometrics and data science; economic measurement; financial institutions and markets; financial stability and macroprudential policy; foreign economies; industrial organization; international trade and finance; labor; macroeconomics; microeconomics; monetary economics; payment systems; and public economics. We are also interested in research on diversity and inclusion related topics, such as differences in economic outcomes or experiences across groups.

Application Materials

Research Assistant:  Resume, cover letter, candidate survey and skills assesment, transcript(s) (unofficial), letter(s) of recommendation (maximum two letters).

Interns: Most openings will require a cover letter, resume, and transcript; however, each posting will list any additional application requirements, such as reference letters, and deadlines if applicable.

Dissertation Fellows: 

• Vita
• Work from the thesis
• Transcript of graduate work
• Two letters of reference

Interview tips

• Highlight every piece of experience you have that you feel fulfills the requirements they are asking for. Include internships, assistantships, non-related jobs (customer service roles, work study), if you learned something and grew from that experience think of it as a potential example to display your expertise. Volunteer work can be on and off campus. Leadership roles can be in clubs or other organizations. It’s all on the table. 
• Consider creating a living document where you list every single job detail you’ve completed and every accomplishment. It may help jog your memory while crafting responses.
•  Prepare a few unique questions to ask the interviewers.
• Have examples/stories ready to go.