What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Research + Data Intern position at ERA Structural Engineering?
Brief Description
Position Overview: We’re seeking a detail-oriented and research-oriented Business Development Research Data Intern to support our Business Development and Marketing team and our company’s growth efforts. This part-time role offers the opportunity to gain hands- on experience in market research, data management, and client intelligence while contributing to our company’s growth strategy. This position is based in our St. Paul, MN headquarters with potential for flexible scheduling.
The ideal candidate would be currently enrolled in a degree program in Marketing, Business Analytics or similar coursework. We welcome candidates at the Freshman-Senior year of studies without extensive professional work experience who have demonstrated these skills through academic projects, non-profit work and other environments.
Candidate interviews will begin in January 2026. We are looking for the position to start Q1 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Summary
About Us: ERA Structural Engineering provides full service structural engineering for a broad range of facility types. We think way beyond textbook structural engineering principles to anticipate unforeseen issues before they arise – which saves clients and owners money, time and sometimes viability of the entire project. We think beyond the beam to uncover value in all areas of the project from structural systems and material types to multi- team collaboration and process efficiency. We use this creative problem-solving approach at each step of the project from proposal to ribbon cutting.
Role Details
Position Overview: We’re seeking a detail-oriented and research-oriented Business Development Research Data Intern to support our Business Development and Marketing team and our company’s growth efforts. This part-time role offers the opportunity to gain hands- on experience in market research, data management, and client intelligence while contributing to our company’s growth strategy. This position is based in our St. Paul, MN headquarters with potential for flexible scheduling.
The ideal candidate would be currently enrolled in a degree program in Marketing, Business Analytics or similar coursework. We welcome candidates at the Freshman-Senior year of studies without extensive professional work experience who have demonstrated these skills through academic projects, non-profit work and other environments.
Candidate interviews will begin in January 2026. We are looking for the position to start Q1 2026.
Key Responsibilities
- RESEARCH
- Research and identify target companies and decision-makers that align with our ideal client profiles.
- Research contacts and connections utilizing LinkedIn.
- Utilize news sources, social media, website to gain understanding of target market sector / client growth areas.
- Provide regular progress updates and insights on new opportunities.
- Build and maintain accurate lists of prospects, including verified contact information.
- Conduct research (pricing, capabilities, etc.) on tools and databases within the AEC (architectural/engineering/construction) industry that compile project opportunities.
- MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCE CURRENT CLIENT DATA
- Organize and update our client and prospect lists in our CRM program, as well as spreadsheet-based systems.
- Assist with tracking business development activities in CRM and flag follow-up actions for our internal team members.
- Ensure data accuracy and completeness across all business development records in CRM.
- Assist in CRM training for our client-facing staff.
- CREATE AND OPTIMIZE DASHBOARDS
- Lead the facilitation of business development reporting and data management to support dashboards in PowerBI, sourced from CRM data as well as other data sources. Collaborate with Business Development/Marketing, Operations and IT on the goals, needs and reporting sources to lead this project.
- May – Aug (can be flexible on start and end date): Part-time non-exempt summer internship with flexible hours
- In – Person Core Office Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm Monday- Thursday
- Friday Flex – 9:00am-12:00pm
- Must be a current student working towards Bachelor’s or Master’s in Marketing, Business Analytics or similar.
- GPA must be 3.0 or higher.
- Self-motivated and proactive – takes initiative to contribute and support team goals, while remaining reception to feedback.
- Strong communication and analytical skills – able to summarize key finding and insights and clearly present them to team members and organizational leaders
- Research and technology proficiency – capable of using MS Office Suite and AI tools to enhance research efficiency, while ensuring results are verified and accurate.
Summary
About Us: ERA Structural Engineering provides full service structural engineering for a broad range of facility types. We think way beyond textbook structural engineering principles to anticipate unforeseen issues before they arise – which saves clients and owners money, time and sometimes viability of the entire project. We think beyond the beam to uncover value in all areas of the project from structural systems and material types to multi- team collaboration and process efficiency. We use this creative problem-solving approach at each step of the project from proposal to ribbon cutting.
Role Details
- Engagement: 6 months (with potential for ongoing work).
- Reports to: Marketing Director
- Location: St. Paul, MN headquarters
- Commitment: Start at 20 hours/week but may grow depending on project needs and candidate’s availability.