Data Science Summer Intern

Job Summary

WebstaurantStore, the world's largest online restaurant supply company, is looking for a Data Science Intern to join the Data Science team. Our Data Scientists use statistics, machine learning, experimentation, and data analysis to discover actionable insights and build solutions that improve the customer experience and business performance.

As a Data Science Intern, you will work alongside experienced Data Scientists on a well-defined, real-world project. You will gain hands-on experience working with large datasets, applying statistical and machine learning techniques, and communicating your findings to technical and business partners.

This internship is designed for someone who is eager to learn, comfortable asking questions, and excited to apply their technical knowledge to real business problems.

This will be a full-time summer internship, with the possibility of continuing part-time into the fall. Extension into the fall is optional and is not a requirement of the internship.

Remote Work Qualifications

• Access to a reliable and secure high-speed internet connection. Cable or fiber internet connections (at least 75mbps download/10mbps upload) are preferred, as satellite connections often cannot support the technologies used to perform day-to-day tasks.
• Access to a home router and modem.
• A dedicated home office space that is noise- and distraction-free. The space should have strong wireless connection or a wired Ethernet connection (wired connection is preferred, if possible).
• A valid, physical address (apartment, suite, etc.). PO Boxes are not supported, as a physical address is required for you to receive your computer equipment.
• The desire and ability to work and communicate with other team members via chat, webcam, etc.
• Legal residents of one of the following states: (AK, AL, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY).

We only accept W-2 candidates, H-1B sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with a Data Scientist or manager to understand a well-defined business problem and translate it into an analytical or modeling approach.
• Gather, query, clean, and explore data needed to support your project.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify patterns, relationships, and potential data quality issues.
• Apply appropriate statistical or machine learning techniques to solve a defined problem.
• Evaluate model or analytical results using appropriate metrics and validation techniques.
• Create clear visualizations that help technical audiences understand your findings.
• Write clean, logical, readable, and well-documented Python and SQL code.
• Communicate project progress, challenges, assumptions, and results to your manager and other Data Scientists.
• Ask questions and seek clarification when requirements, data, or methodology are unclear.
• Incorporate feedback from other Data Scientists and iterate on your work.
• Present your approach, findings, and recommendations at the conclusion of your project.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed while sitting/standing and interfacing with a personal computer.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
• Requires the regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Requires occasional bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
• Requires the ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50lbs.

Qualifications

Experience

Previous professional Data Science experience is not required.

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Experience using Python for data analysis, coursework, research, or personal projects.
• Experience using SQL or a demonstrated understanding of querying structured data.
• Familiarity with at least one class of machine learning methods, such as supervised or unsupervised learning, and a basic understanding of when those methods are appropriate.
• Understanding of common data preparation and exploratory analysis techniques, including handling missing values, outliers, and other data quality issues.
• Basic understanding of how to evaluate a statistical or machine learning model.
• Experience communicating analytical results through visualizations, presentations, coursework, or projects.

Experience can come from coursework, research, personal projects, internships, Kaggle competitions, or other practical work.

Education

This role does not require a degree. We value relevant skills and experience and alignment with our core values above all else.

Desired Traits & Skills

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:

You're Eager to Learn: You actively seek to expand your understanding of machine learning, statistics, data manipulation, exploratory analysis, and Data Science best practices.

You Ask Questions: You are comfortable saying "I don't know" and see asking questions as an important part of learning and solving problems correctly.

You Communicate Effectively: You can explain your approach, findings, and challenges clearly to your manager and other technical team members.

You Have an Entrepreneurial Spirit: You are curious about why things work the way they do and are willing to ask, "What if we tried this?" or "Could there be a better way?"

You Desire to Grow: You seek feedback, incorporate it into your work, and continuously look for opportunities to improve your technical and professional skills.

You Have High Standards: You care about producing accurate analysis and clean, logical, readable code.

You Connect the How and Why: You want to understand not only how to apply a Data Science technique, but why it is appropriate for the problem you are solving.