2025 Data Science Modeler PhD Internship Program
About This Role
Discover. A brighter future.
With us, you’ll do meaningful work from Day 1. Our collaborative culture is built on three core behaviors: We Play to Win, We Get Better Every Day & We Succeed Together. And we mean it — we want you to grow and make a difference at one of the world's leading digital banking and payments companies. We value what makes you unique so that you have an opportunity to shine.
Come build your future, while being the reason millions of people find a brighter financial future with Discover.
Job Description
Emerging Talent Programs offer unique opportunities to launch your professional career in an environment that is structured to support your individual growth, while also helping you build an extensive network to expand your business knowledge and career options. As part of our Emerging Talent Development and Internship Programs, you can be part of building and innovating the products and services that help our millions of consumers build their brighter financial futures. At Discover we know our people are the key to our success, and our Emerging Talent Programs provide structure and support while immersing you in the business with a focus on solving real business challenges. Be part of a culture where diversity, teamwork and collaboration reign. We are all about people and our employees are why Discover is a great place to work.
At Discover, be part of a culture where diversity, teamwork and collaboration reign. Join a company that is just as employee-focused as it is on its customers, and which is consistently awarded for both. We are all about people and our employees are why Discover is a great place to work. Be the reason we help millions of consumers build a brighter financial future and achieve yours along the way with a rewarding career.
What You’ll Do
Discover’s Data and Analytics Modeler PhD Internship Program offers exciting internship opportunities for highly motivated individuals who are interested in exploring a host of disciplines within Discover. Participants will work on challenging initiatives in a sought after work environment and culture. Individuals selected will be matched to projects across the enterprise, in the many different business areas/disciplines within Discover business units. They will be challenged to exercise and expand their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, working alongside proven leaders on projects and strategic initiatives aligned with Discover's high-priority goals.
Graduate participants can expect:
- An internship aimed at aligning personal talents with business initiatives
- Strategic and impactful work assignments that support Discover’s key priorities and objectives
- A team of resources to assist with training and career development, including dedicated program managers, experienced performance managers and knowledgeable mentors
- Real time and consistent feedback
- Interaction with the key stakeholders and senior leadership through both projects and program events
- Opportunities to interact with and present to executive leaders
- Group activities, including networking events and volunteer activities
- Opportunities to establish lasting career connections with fellow interns
- An opportunity to be evaluated for a full-time position within our development programs
- A housing stipend for the summer
Opportunities may exist in:
Individuals selected will be matched to projects across the enterprise, in the many different business areas/disciplines within Discover business units, including Consumer Banking, Corporate Risk Management, Credit Operations, Payments Network, and US Cards.
How You’ll Do It
- Responsible for development of predictive models to support Discover business partners. Design and develop models utilizing Machine learning and other algorithms. Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Formulate and apply mathematical and simulation models. Identify constants, variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and numerical parameters.
- Research and leverage state of the art modeling techniques; participates in modeling innovation.
- Leverage extensive, deep technical knowledge and leadership skills to drive the development of data science solutions and implements data-driven recommendations and outcomes.
- Test and validate models to ensure they are meeting business needs. Refine or reformulate models as necessary.
- Perform in-depth modeling audits, including process evaluation of modeling related activities such as data quality, model performance tracking, and model governance policy.
- Partner with management to identify and solve a variety of business issues. Present modeling and data analysis results to management and other business partners.
- Maintain a high level of competency in statistical and analytical principles, tools and techniques, and supports the advancement of the "best-in-class" analytical capabilities to unlock new capabilities and performance, and quickly adapts to modern modeling technique. Demonstrate knowledge in analytical tools.
Qualifications You’ll Need
Basic Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in a PhD degree program
Bonus Points if You Have:
- A graduation date between December 2025 - August 2026
- Enrolled in a PhD degree program in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Analytics or STEM related field
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate ideas into clear priorities
- High energy and intellectual curiosity
- Strong analytical skills and a consultative approach to addressing customer needs
- Strong business acumen, knowledge of financial industry, risk management, and business metrics
- Proficiency in SQL, Python, R,
- Proficiency in visual data management, i.e., Excel, Tableau
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems creatively
- Ability to apply previous experience and knowledge to new situations and problems
- Ability to operate as a team player