At RDS@Pitt, we recognize the value of internships as a vital steppingstone for students eager to apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience in data science and analytics.
Our partnerships with industry leaders and organizations enable us to create meaningful opportunities that connect our students with professional pathways while meeting industry needs for skilled talent.
This year, our collaborations span diverse sectors, from finance and retail to logistics and public service.
Here’s a look at how our partnerships are shaping up for internships and how students can engage with these exciting opportunities.
PPG: Opportunities for Underclassmen
Jeff Lewis Global Information Technology Director, Data and Analytics at PPG, emphasizes the organization's focus on cultivating talent early. While their internship program for juniors and seniors next summer is already full, they are actively soliciting freshmen to join the program starting in January 2025. Interested students are encouraged to reach out in the new year for guidance on entering PPG’s internship pipeline.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: A Multi-pathway Approach
As Manager of Data Science, Bridget Fitzpatrick is the go-to contact for internships at Dick’s Sporting Goods. The company is currently hiring for two data science positions for this summer, in addition to several analytics roles on a separate team. Students interested in these positions can connect with Bridget, who will facilitate introductions to the intern recruiter.
First National Bank (F.N.B.): Limited Summer 2025 Openings
Betsy Amato, representing F.N.B. Corporation, where she is Vice President, Manager of Business Analytics, is leading internship coordination for their data science and analytics teams. While most of F.N.B.'s summer 2025 internships are already filled, Betsy is happy to share details about any remaining openings. She is also working closely with Adrianne Bernini, Senior Vice President, Director of Data Science & Insights, to ensure a seamless recruitment process.
City of Pittsburgh: A Full House
For the City of Pittsburgh, Senior Manager, Digital Services and Chief Data Officer Chris Belasco is the point of contact for internship opportunities. While his current intern position is filled, students interested in future opportunities should stay tuned for updates as new roles become available.
FedEx: Collaboration in Action
FedEx is exploring ways to expand their data science internship opportunities, with Prasad Pondugula, Director IT, as the point person. Prasad is collaborating with Jason Westman, Director of IT and Project Management Office, and the FedEx intern recruiter to identify potential positions for students interested in logistics and analytics.
How to Get Involved
While some programs are already full for the upcoming summer, the connections made through RDS@Pitt are ongoing. Whether you’re a freshman looking to kickstart your career or a senior ready to put your skills into action, the key to landing an internship is engagement and proactive communication.
If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, reach out to RDS@Pitt to be connected with our industry partners. We’ll help you navigate the process and ensure you’re prepared to make the most of your internship experience.
Together, let’s continue building bridges between academia and industry, equipping our students to lead the way in responsible data science.