IT Intern – Data Science

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

The American Equity Summer Internship Program offers an immersive real-world experience, closely replicating the career journey of an American Equity professional. Each intern will contribute to meaningful, hands-on projects that drive measurable business outcomes, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Interns will also have the opportunity to present their project work to company leaders, network with executives, and participate in educational programs designed to support their personal and professional growth. Additionally, interns will engage in community service projects and social events, building connections with fellow interns and the broader American Equity team.

The internship will be a 10 week program located at our downtown Des Moines office.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Data Scientist Intern, as a member of the Data Analytics & Reporting Center of Excellence (COE), applies their skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics, statistical analysis and programming to develop data-driven solutions to support corporate initiatives. The Intern collaborates with the business partners to define the technical problem statement, develop efficient and accurate analytical models and incorporate them into analytical data products or tools with the support of a cross-functional team. The intern provides valuable support to professional staff within organizational functions that align with their field of study and contribute to ongoing projects gaining hands-on experience in a structured, professional environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Shadows Business Intelligence Developers, Data Analysts, and Data Scientists to learn essential duties and functions of the role.
•    Works within a Center of Excellence (COE) model for supporting business enablement by leveraging company data to drive decisions.
•    Provides advanced analytics across variety of techniques, including data aggregation, statistical modeling, predictive modeling and machine learning. 
•    Participates in complex data related analytical projects that drive business decisions and efficiencies.
•    Collaborates with business partners to develop novel ways to meet objectives utilizing data, cutting edge techniques, and tools.
•    Effectively communicates the analytics approach and how it will meet and address objectives to business partners.
•    Ensures adherence to data management and data governance policies and standards.
•    Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
•    Collaborates with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross-functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.
•    Performs other related work as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:  
General Description of Indirect Reports :  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
•    Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science OR Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline and demonstrated Data Science skill set.
•    Some experience in writing SQL queries, feature engineering, data analysis, data tools, building prototypes, using and creating algorithms and creating simulations.
•    Some experience using BI tools like Tableau and Power BI.
•    Some experience using statistical computer languages such as Python or R.
•    Some knowledge and experience in statistical and machine learning techniques including GLM/Regression, Random Forest, Boosting, Trees, text mining, social network analysis, etc.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:
•    N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
•    Effective verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
•    Strong Mathematical skills and attention to detail.
•    Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
•    Ability to create and use advanced machine learning algorithms and statistics including regression, classification, anomaly detection, simulation, scenario analysis, modeling, clustering, decision trees, neural networks, etc. on large data sets.
•    Ability to merge and transform disparate internal & external data sets together.
•    Strong organizational and planning skills.
•    Collaborative & team-oriented sharing the responsibility of work and accountability for outcomes with team members; uncovering new perspectives through inclusion.
•    Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
•    Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

DISCLAIMER
This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.