Job Description

AECOM is hosting an exclusive, invitation-only hiring event in Chicago, IL November 20-21. This is a great opportunity to learn and connect with AECOM for career opportunities starting Spring/Summer 2026.

The event kicks off on Thursday evening with a networking mixer from 6-8 pm , where you can hear from AECOM staff about various projects, career paths, and the company itself. You’ll also have the chance to meet other students, recent graduates, and AECOM professionals from across our business lines.

On Friday, interviews will take place at our Chicago office. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about and connect with AECOM for early career opportunities.

If you're a college student majoring in a field indicated below and graduating in December 2025 or Spring 2026 , we'd love to hear from you!

AECOM is seeking a Graduate Analyst, Economics + Public Policy to be based in Chicago, IL.

This position is expected to begin in May 2026.

The AECOM Advisory practice helps clients evaluate and make decisions about feasibility, financial requirements, social impact, risk, and prospects for success. We pull ideas into focus and sharpen the boundaries of a preliminary plan or concept. The practice has three core focus areas: Sustainable Economics, Economic Development & Urban Policy, and Real Estate Advisory. Our team helps clients pursue real estate development that achieves civic goals, often for public or institutional clients. That includes making decisions about market demand, feasibility, and financial requirements as well as social impact, economic development, and public benefits. We pull ideas into focus and sharpen the boundaries of a preliminary plan or concept for regional and place-based economic development, urban revitalization, real estate, tourism, and culture.

Collaborating with other disciplines, our team develops strategies that respond to the market, attract financing, and enable implementation. We address challenges through clear communication, creative thinking, and structured, impartial analysis. Our global experience and comprehensive, integrated approach help us understand how multiple factors influence value and feasibility. It’s not just about the market, but also project design, public policies, and regulations, site conditions, mitigation requirements, development and financing costs, phasing, and implementation challenges.

The Graduate Analyst will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to do discrete technical tasks, including developing and implementing quantitative analytical approaches; conducting data analysis, economic and financial modeling, literature reviews, and stakeholder interviews; developing graphics and presentations to communicate key findings; and writing sections of client deliverables and proposals. The position requires the ability to work closely with managers to balance multiple projects and deadlines and communicate clearly with both clients and other team members.

The successful candidate will have some experience in a few of the following topics: market and financial feasibility analysis; economic development strategies for redevelopment; public policy review and drafting; fiscal and economic impact analysis; public-private partnerships and transaction support; and affordable housing finance.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Research local and regional economic issues and provide consultation regarding the development of dynamic regional and local economies, as well as urban and rural regeneration.
• Proposes solutions to issues such as labor markets, education and skills, deprivation and social inclusion, inward investment, and business development.
• May draft and prepare reports based on project outcomes.
• Has strong academic record, reflecting strong technical skills and high quality/standards of work; staffed on a wide range of projects and tasks.
• Works under the direction of more experienced staff and managers.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Finance, Business, Real Estate, Environmental Science, Climate and Sustainability, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Finance, Business, Real Estate, Environmental Science, Climate and Sustainability, or a related field.
• Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses related to economic and community development, equity, housing, public health, public finance, and/or resilience
• Experience leading discrete technical tasks, presenting and developing content for client deliverables and proposals, interviewing project stakeholders, and presenting professional work at meetings.
• Experience building cashflow models in Excel for real estate development projects
• Ability to think critically, analyze policy and regulations, and write effectively
• Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Strong technical skills, including experience with one or more of the following software packages:

• * ArcGIS and other spatial analysis tools
  

  • Quantitative/statistical programs such as R, Python
  • Data and analysis visualization
  • Data sources such as Costar, EMSI, ESRI Business Analyst, BLS
  • Economic impact modeling tools such as RIMS II, IMPLAN, REMI

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for US work authorization is not available for this position now or in the future

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.