Research Intern

Overview

Planned Systems International (PSI) is an Enterprise IT services company who focuses on designing, building, securing, and operating cutting-edge software solutions that drive mission success and operational excellence for Federal Government organizations. PSI is currently seeking a motivated high school student interested in research, writing, and public speaking to complete a short-term internship focused on understanding Generation Z's perspectives on education and careers.

The intern will conduct independent research on current trends influencing Gen Z's decisions regarding college education, trade schools, career paths, and workplace expectations. The internship will culminate in a written research paper and a professional presentation of findings to PSI management.

This internship is designed to expose students to professional research methods, critical analysis, and executive-level communication while producing actionable insights that may help PSI better understand emerging workforce trends and future talent expectations. The intern will work under the guidance of a PSI mentor who will provide project direction, feedback, and periodic progress reviews throughout the internship.

Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research current articles, studies, surveys, and reports regarding Generation Z workforce and education trends.
• Investigate topics including:
  • College education versus trade school preferences
  • Factors influencing educational decisions
  • Career goals and expectations of Generation Z
  • Workplace values, flexibility, compensation, and work-life balance
  • Employer expectations versus employee expectations
• Conduct interviews with selected students, recent graduates, educators, and/or young professionals to develop qualitative case studies.
• Organize research findings and identify key themes and trends.
• Analyze similarities and differences between published research and interview results.
• Prepare a professional research paper summarizing findings, observations, and recommendations.
• Develop a PowerPoint presentation highlighting major conclusions.
• Present research findings to PSI managers and participate in a question-and-answer discussion.

By the end of the internship, the student will gain experience in:

• Academic and professional research methods
• Interviewing and information gathering
• Critical thinking and data analysis
• Professional writing
• Presentation development
• Public speaking before business professionals
• Time management and project planning
• Deliverables

At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will submit:

• Literature review summarizing research sources
• Interview summaries and case studies
• Final research paper (approximately 8–15 pages)
• Executive summary (1–2 pages)
• Professional PowerPoint presentation (10–15 slides)
• Formal presentation to PSI management

Minimum Requirements

• Current high school student (grades 10–12 preferred).
• Strong academic performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Curious, self-motivated, and willing to learn.
• Comfortable conducting interviews and speaking with professionals.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and internet research tools.
• Ability to work independently while meeting project deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in business, economics, psychology, sociology, education, communications, or public policy.
• Experience writing research papers or participating in debate, student government, or academic competitions.
• Analytical thinking
• Organization
• Professional communication
• Writing and editing
• Attention to detail
• Presentation skills
• Initiative and intellectual curiosity
• Supervision

Company Benefits

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

EEO Commitment

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRDepartment@plan-sys.com, or by dialing 703-575-8400.