2025 Data Science Modeler PhD Internship Program

At Discover, you will never stop learning. We are looking for people driven by purpose, who want to help us change the game in financial services. We were founded in 1986, and now have over 16,000 employees. Together we are dedicated to helping people spend smarter, manage debt better and save more for a brighter financial future. 

By joining us, you will be part of a culture where diversity, teamwork and collaboration reign. We are as focused on our employees as we are on our customers – and we have been consistently awarded for both. Be the reason we help millions of people build a brighter financial future, and achieve yours along the way.

Job Description:

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.  

PhD 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  

What You’ll Do

• Actively manages and escalates risk and customer-impacting issues within the day-to-day role to management.

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.

• Presents the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.

• Formulates and applies mathematical and simulation models. Identifies constants, variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and numerical parameters.

• Researches and leverages state of the art modeling techniques; participates in modeling innovation.

• Leverages extensive, deep technical knowledge and leadership skills to drive the development of data science solutions and implements data-driven recommendations and outcomes.

• Tests and validates models to ensure they are meeting business needs. Refines or reformulate models as necessary.

Qualifications You’ll Need
The Basics

• Must have a Masters degree in Analytics, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, or Statistics

• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program

Physical and Cognitive Requirements
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position as required by federal, state, and local laws:

• Primarily remain in a stationary position.

• No required movement about the work environment to complete the major responsibilities of the job.

• Primarily performed indoors in an office setting.

• Ability to operate office equipment such as but not limited to computer, telephone, printer, and calculator.

• Ability to communicate verbally. Ability to communicate in written form.

Bonus Points If You Have

• A graduation date between Dec 2025-Aug 2026

Discover Professional Skills - Virtual Job Simulation

We've partnered with Forage to offer a way to jump start building your career skills at Discover. Complete tasks guided by pre-recorded videos and example answers from our team at Discover and use these new skills in your applications and throughout your career journey.

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Discover will not sponsor or transfer employment work visas for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Application Deadline:

The application window for this position is anticipated to close on Jan-11-2025. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The posting may be available past this date, but it is not guaranteed.

Compensation:

The base pay for this role is $52.00/hour. Additional incentives may be provided as part of a market competitive total compensation package. Factors, such as but not limited to, geographical location, relevant experience, education, and skill level may impact the pay for this position.

Benefits:

We also offer a range of benefits and programs based on eligibility.

Learn more at mydiscoverbenefits.com.

What are you waiting for? Apply today!

All Discover employees place our customers at the very center of our work. To deliver on our promises to our customers, each of us contribute every day to a culture that values compliance and risk management.

Discover is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Discover is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status. (Know Your Rights & Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision)

Discover complies with federal, state, and local laws applicable to qualified individuals with disabilities and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation to search for a position, to complete an application, and/or to participate in an interview, please email HireAccommodation@discover.com.  Any information you provide regarding your accommodation needs will be kept confidential and will only be used to determine and provide necessary accommodation.