Economic Forecasting Intern 

POSITION OVERVIEW: Join the Marketing team this summer! Assist the Director of Economic Planning with economic research, analysis, planning and forecasting activities in support of the Marketing team’s goals. The Economic Forecasting Intern will support the long-range business plan, produce Board materials, manage regular forecast updates, track industry data and statistics, develop forecasting models, and provide economic analysis and reporting. They will prepare written content describing the economy and its impact on the Company’s business and for the wider industry. Ad-hoc analytical work will support the overall Marketing and Fleet teams.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 10% Data Staging: Manage, organize and update internal and external data used by the group. 

• 20% - Advanced Analytics: Perform exploratory, prescriptive and visual economic analysis. 

• 30% - Economic Modeling: Develop and run econometric models to forecast economic indicators (imports, housing starts, auto production, etc.) and rail (intermodal, carload and general equipment) loadings. 

• 15% - Presentations: Summarize economic analysis and forecast updates in PowerPoint presentations for Marketing team, senior leadership, Board of Directors and industry partners. 

• 15% - Reports: Develop, manage and update reports that the group uses to evaluate business performance and forecast variance. Provide application and context with the reported data. 

• 10% - Ad-Hoc/Continuous Improvement: Assist the group with ad-hoc requests and projects, evaluation of current processes for process improvement and the development of new analysis tools.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Data Science, Statistics is required; Master’s Degree candidate is preferred. 

• Economic Skills: Economic analysis skills are required as well as a demonstrated history of applying macroeconomic and microeconomic theories to industry cases; rail, transportation or logistics industry experience is plus. 

• Analytical Skills: Prescriptive and exploratory analysis, build visual tools, ability to interpret data and findings from econometric models; use an inquisitive approach to how analysis can be streamlined and documented and recognize the need for new tools or analysis. 

• Data Skills: Must have experience with data collection, cleaning, verifying and general organization and prepping for analysis. 

• Quantitative Skills: Advanced statistics/econometric skills are required, time series knowledge and forecasting experience preferred (project or practical experience). 

• Technical Knowledge: Statistical software and programming experience with Python or R required. Experience with cloud computing software like Azure or AWS preferred. 

• Critical Thinking: Conduct research, problem definition, root cause analysis, propose new approaches, and look for ways to improve processes. 

• Communication Skills: communicate facts, findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge of InDesign publishing software or Oracle is a plus.

TTX Company is a leading provider of railcars and related freight car management services to the North American rail industry. TTX’s pool of railcars is ideal for supporting shippers in the intermodal, automotive, paper & forest, metals, machinery, wind energy and other markets where flatcars, boxcars and gondolas are required. 

TTX’s generous Total Rewards package includes Paid Time Off, Health, Dental and Vision benefits, and 401(k) with company match.  This position participates in Railroad Retirement.

TTX Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.