Bureau of Economics: Research Analyst Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP)
The Federal Trade Commission
The Bureau of Economics
The RA Experience
Training and Development
Preparation for a Career
Benefits
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Apply to the Program
More Information
Economic Research Analyst Federal Career Intern Program
This two-year program is a paid, full-time federal career intern program designed to attract bright, motivated, quantitatively-inclined, recent graduates, with either bachelors or masters degrees, to assist Ph.D. economists in their analytical work in antitrust and consumer protection. Positions will be filled at the GS-7 and GS-9 grade levels.
During the course of the program, research analysts develop a wide range of research and economics skills through training, work assignments, and interaction with economists, lawyers and similarly-situated research analysts and paralegals.
Although many of our research analysts elect to go on to graduate school or to pursue other employment opportunities, an intern may be eligible for permanent placement with the FTC upon successful completion of the internship.
The Federal Trade Commission
Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Federal Trade Commission fulfills a twofold mission to protect both competition and consumers in the United States. Individuals at the FTC work together to enforce antitrust laws and to protect the public from fraud, deception, and unfair practices in the marketplace. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers’ interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies.
“I created the datasets, graphs, and maps used by FTC economists in
antitrust litigation, [as well as] ran econometric models for a paper on the
treatment of developing countries in U.S. antidumping proceedings.”
The Bureau of Economics
Primarily located in the newly built 601 New Jersey Avenue NW building, the Bureau of Economics ensures that the FTC’s actions are backed by scientifically sound, data-driven economic analysis. With 70 PhD applied microeconomists, supported by 15 to 20 data and research analysts, as well as financial analysts and administrative support personnel, BE plays an essential role in virtually all aspects of the FTC’s mission. Economists and analysts work together with attorneys throughout the FTC to provide case support (investigation and litigation), policy research and development, competition and consumer advocacy, international outreach, and program evaluation.
Research Analysts work with either the Antitrust or Consumer Protection divisions.
- The Antitrust divisions, totaling approximately 45 economists, are devoted to competition matters and work closely with the attorneys in the Bureau of Competition.
- The Consumer Protection division, consisting of about 15 economists, is focused on consumer protection issues, such as credit availability, privacy and ID theft, and deceptive practices in the marketing of food, drugs, and nutrition supplements.
“I have served a myriad of roles…reading comments submitted
by
trade
groups and other associations in regards to the FTC’s public
notice on energy labeling, as well as helping to design
the multiple
labels to be tested in the subsequent survey.”
The Research Analyst (RA) Experience
Being an analyst for the Federal Trade Commission presents an opportunity to work on an array of projects that deal closely with various aspects of the economy. Research Analysts have participated in investigations dealing with issues at the forefront of the nation’s attention, such as the energy, pharmaceutical, real estate, and healthcare industries. In the Consumer Protection division, recent projects have included an analysis of advertising in the alcohol industry and an investigation into whether the use of credit scores in automobile insurance underwriting plays an important risk identification role and/or has a discriminatory impact on minorities. The Antitrust divisions, on the other hand, focus on merger and price issues, with Research Analysts participating in cases dealing with large grocery store chains (Whole Foods/Wild Oats), toy company ownership, real estate, and gasoline price monitoring, as well as cases in many other industries. Investigations are conducted by teams comprised of staff from the Bureau of Economics and the legal staff in the Bureau of Competition. As integral members of the team, Research Analysts interact with economists and legal staff, thereby gaining an understanding of both economic and legal aspects of antitrust investigations.
During these assignments, Research Analysts conduct statistical analyses, run regressions based on economic models, help develop economic models in investigations and publications, compile data from public and private sources, perform literature research, review the economic content of reports, and help design and test survey questionnaires. Overall, they are instrumental in creating the valuable tools and analyses that are often later used for litigation and investigational purposes. In addition to employing previous talents, there is also an opportunity to learn and develop new skills. FTC employees not only gain financial assistance to further their education, but participation is also encouraged in a series of related training courses, seminars, and conferences throughout the year.
“During my first month with the FTC I worked with various economists
and [research analysts] on multiple projects, ranging from a high profile
internet firm merger to a study on economic liberalization in Vietnam.
Each new merger case brings the opportunity to take an in-depth look
into a
particular industry.”
“Working in conjunction with lawyers in the Bureau of Consumer
Protection
gives the cases more relevance and gives me exposure to legal procedures.”
Training and Development
The training and development program is an important component of the Research Analyst FCIP. Each analyst will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that will serve as a road map for their professional and personal development during the Program. Through training and practice experience, Research Analysts at the FTC acquire expertise in several software packages and general economics that are essential tools for success in many different career paths. These packages include:
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“I have only been here for two months, and my STATA experience was
limited before starting at the FTC, but I have become much
more
proficient
with help from other RAs and economists. I have also been encouraged to take
outside
courses
[and] develop more skills.”
Preparation for a Career
Some research analysts elect to stay at the FTC in a career appointment. Others elect to leave to pursue other opportunities. FTC research analysts are equipped with valuable and relevant work experience that enables them to aggressively pursue their education and careers.
Some pursue their education in economics, business, law, public policy and many other fields at prestigious universities such as:
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And others launch their careers in the private sector or with other federal agencies such as:
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“This has been a great opportunity for learning and preparing
myself for school or work after the FTC.”
Salary and Benefits
Initial appointments are made at the GS-7 or GS-9 grade level, depending on qualifications, at a salary of approximately $45,000 or $49,000, respectively. (See the 2008 OPM pay schedule at http://www.opm.gov/oca/09tables/html/dcb.asp) Interns are eligible for promotions through the course of their two-year internship.
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“I chose to become a Research Analyst because the FTC offers
the opportunity to
continue my academic development – cultivating
knowledge, skills, and experiences that will follow me throughout my career.”
Click here to search for all FTC jobs in the Washington, D.C. area
Apply to the program
The Federal Career Intern Program is open to any U.S. citizen. Most research analysts enter at the GS-7 level. In order to qualify at the GS-7 level, a candidate must have superior academic achievement as a college graduate (Bachelor’s degree with a GPA 3.0 or higher) or 1 full year of graduate level education (or equivalent work experience) at the time they start employment. (Anticipation of the academic qualification or experience before entering on duty is required for application). On occasion, the FTC hires research analysts at a GS-9 level. In order to qualify at the GS-9 level an applicant must have a Master’s degree (or 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-7). The FTC will determine whether an applicant is qualified at the GS-7 or GS-9 level based on OPM’s requirements.
The FTC generally hires research analysts two times per year, with one recruiting period in the winter and the other in the spring. However, candidates may apply for a research analyst position at any time, and if they are determined to be qualified, applications will be held for six months and reviewed during the recruiting period. An applicant with an application on file will be alerted that a recruiting period is upcoming and that their application is being reviewed.
To apply for the Research Analyst FCIP, please send a cover letter, resume, and transcript copy to us at RARecruit@ftc.gov. Applicants will be required to complete an FTC questionnaire, which will be sent to the applicant upon receipt of the application, to determine whether they are qualified for the Research Analyst FCIP. In addition, applicants for the GS-7 positions who meet all qualifications will be required to respond to a questionnaire from OPM. This questionnaire will be sent to the applicant from OPM during the recruitment period. The FTC Human Resources Office will notify GS-7 applicants that the OPM questionnaire is forthcoming.
Click here to apply for the Economic Research Analyst Federal Career Intern Program
More Information
If you have any further questions or would like more information on current job openings, please contact RARecruit@ftc.gov and please state “request for information” in the subject line of the e-mail.