Summer 2025 - Data Engineer Intern, Central Research

To apply for the Summer 2025 Data Engineer Intern position at the Vera Institute of Justice, you should have proficiency in data collection and processing using Python and familiarity with SQL and the Python Pandas library. Additionally, experience working collaboratively with GitHub is advantageous. A genuine commitment to racial and gender equity, along with a curiosity about criminal justice and immigration advocacy, is essential. Preferred candidates will have prior engagement with issues related to mass incarceration and access to tools such as Google Cloud Platform.

As a Data Engineer Intern at Vera Institute of Justice, your primary responsibilities will include supporting the construction and maintenance of a centralized datastore, integrating new data sources, and ensuring data quality. You’ll be involved in coding projects, contributing to building a central data model, conducting code reviews, and working closely with researchers to enhance data solutions. This role also allows you to pursue an individual project that aligns with your interests in data science for social good.

The Summer 2025 Data Engineer Intern position at the Vera Institute of Justice is designed to provide ample opportunities for career development. You'll receive mentorship from experienced data engineers and engage in real-world projects that enhance your technical skills. Collaborating with a diverse team allows you to learn best practices in data science and advocacy within the nonprofit sector, paving the way for a rewarding career focused on social justice.

The Summer 2025 Data Engineer Intern at the Vera Institute of Justice can expect to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer internship period, which runs from June 2nd to August 8th. The role follows a hybrid schedule, with interns working in-office on an alternating basis. Flexibility is allowed to accommodate personal and academic commitments, making it manageable for students.

As a Summer 2025 Data Engineer Intern at the Vera Institute of Justice, you can anticipate a competitive compensation range of $16.00 to $25.00 per hour. The actual hourly rate will vary based on your experience and performance levels. Additionally, there is potential for academic credit, and Vera is open to assisting in arrangements with your educational institution.

When answering this question, highlight your proficiency in relevant programming languages, particularly Python and SQL. Discuss specific projects or experiences where you utilized these languages for data collection and processing, demonstrating your ability to tackle real-world data challenges.

When addressing this question, focus on your understanding of data quality assurance and your techniques for ensuring data accuracy. Share examples of past experiences where you implemented checks, cleaning processes, or validation techniques to improve data integrity during projects.

In your response, give a brief overview of how you have used GitHub in previous projects, including how you managed version control, collaborated with peers, and contributed code. Mention any features you particularly like, such as pull requests and issues for tracking progress.

When answering this question, articulate your passion for using technology to drive change in social justice areas. Discuss any relevant experiences, such as projects or coursework, that show your motivations and how they align with Vera's mission to foster equity.

Your answer should reflect your problem-solving approach. Discuss your strategies for assessing requirements, identifying appropriate tools and technologies, and ensuring scalability and security. Mention any frameworks or methodologies you have used that align with these project goals.

Share a specific challenge you faced on a data project, detailing the problem, the approach you took to solve it, and the outcome. Highlight your analytical skills, determination, and ability to learn from difficulties to improve future projects.

Express your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning resources you follow, such as blogs, online courses, conferences, or communities. Highlight any specific tools or techniques that you've recently learned or implemented, emphasizing your proactive learning attitude.

In your response, outline the tools you use for data visualization, like Tableau or Matplotlib, and discuss your approach to conveying complex data findings clearly and effectively. Explain why data visualization is crucial for stakeholders' understanding and decision-making.

Discuss personal motivations or academic experiences that have drawn you to this field. Articulate your desire to understand systemic issues and how you envision leveraging data engineering to inform and advance social justice initiatives.

Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as using task management tools or dividing projects into smaller milestones. Discuss your ability to remain organized and focused under pressure while ensuring quality is maintained in your deliverables.