Kinkofa | Data Analysis Associate | DivInc

This is a role with a startup in the Blackstone LaunchPad internship program, through this company’s relationship with LaunchPad partner, DivInc. 

Please note all hiring decisions are made by each applicable company. Students are encouraged to conduct their own research and diligence on each employer and on any internship opportunity offered by any employer. Learn more about DivInc here

MEET KINKOFA 

kinkofa is the first-ever family history and genealogy platform dedicated to connecting the African Diaspora. We build and leverage innovative technologies to provide a seamless and engaging experience for users to connect with their roots, cultures, and families. Our users are enabled to uncover, record, and preserve their family stories with pride and dignity. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY 

Join us as a Data Analysis Associate and be at the forefront of revolutionizing family history discovery while accelerating growth through contributions to our go-to-market strategies, product development, and user acquisition efforts. 

We're on the lookout for someone who is self-motivated and detail-oriented, eager to apply AI/machine learning, data modeling, and analysis to solve customer problems. In this role, you'll delve into these methodologies to uncover user behavior insights, identify trends, and craft data-driven strategies. Gain invaluable hands-on experience applying data science techniques to enhance products, elevate user experiences, and steer product strategy forward. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

● Utilize statistical inference, data mining, and data storytelling to gain insights into user interactions with Kinkofa’s products. 

● Apply statistical and machine learning concepts such as hypothesis testing, time series forecasting, linear and logistic regression, random forests, and propensity models to identify trends and support decision-making. 

● Gather and develop deep insights into customer journeys, focusing on areas where data plays a crucial role in building trust and strengthening our unique value propositions. 

● Enhance user experiences and drive product development by contributing to the data pipeline and performing data collection and wrangling tasks. 

● Automate internal workflows through the creation of scripts to optimize efficiency. 

● Maintain detailed documentation for data-related features and processes to ensure clarity and transparency. 

● Develop reporting dashboards to monitor progress, optimize operational performance, and share insights and recommendations with internal stakeholders. 

● Take ownership of identifying and addressing key needs and problems faced by our team and users. Plan, implement, and automate a capstone project that drives tangible impact and addresses these challenges head-on. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED 

● ‘Can Do Spirit’ - building something from the ground up is tough, which is why we’re looking for an emerging leader who thrives when faced with a challenge. 

● Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. 

● Creativity - you think outside the box and come up with creative ways to drive growth 

● Curiosity - you’re curious about how technology can have positive impacts on people and communities. 

● Deep user empathy - you work to deeply understand the problem we’re solving and our customers. You envision data and product solutions to serve their needs. 

● A sense of mission - this opportunity to gain startup experience and, more importantly, make an impact in the lives of our customers, communities, and partners. 

● Strong mathematical background (linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics).

WHO YOU ARE (RECOMMENDED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, & INTERESTS) 

● Completing and/or pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Master’s Degree or PhD in Business, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Econometrics, or a related field. 

● Find large challenges exciting and enjoy discovering problems as much as solving them. 

● Able to problem-solve and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment both independently and collaboratively. 

● Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages such as Python, R, or SQL. Working knowledge and experience with data visualization tools. 

● Comfortable transforming raw data to build your own datasets if the measure you need doesn't exist yet. 

● You understand the importance of considering the ethical implications of our work and how data affects real people's lives. You recognize our responsibility for the impact, both positive and negative, that the technology we build may have. 

NICE TO HAVES 

● Interests outside of data: anthropology, ethics and transparency, media studies, genealogy and family history, African Diaspora studies or related fields is a plus. 

● Strong interest in product management, data science, and/or machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

● Familiarity with cloud computing (AWS, Google Cloud, etc) and low-code software development platforms (i.e. Bubble and FlutterFlow) is desirable. 

● Experience in analyzing substantial datasets and creating data-driven statistical models is preferred; any background in text mining or digital marketing would be a valuable asset. 

● Understanding of statistical modeling/machine learning/data mining concepts, and a track record of solving problems with these methods. 

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN 

● An opportunity to design, pitch, and implement a capstone project. 

● Experience working in a fast-paced environment and experiencing what it's like to make an impact at a high-growth startup while learning about technology, ethics, and business. 

● A deeper understanding of consumer behaviors and trends and how sentiment analysis can impact new product development. 

● Mentorship, guidance, and support directly from Kinkofa’s founders. 

If you’re excited about this opportunity but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with everything listed here, we still encourage you to apply. If you’re a builder at heart, willing to learn, and are enthusiastic about our mission - we want to hear from you! 

Every new team member broadens our perspective, allows us to think bigger, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Having a team with diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and opinions allows our team, product, and community to flourish. 

kinkofa is a proud equal opportunity workplace - we are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We will work to ensure individuals with disabilities and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process and to perform essential internship functions. 

By applying for this internship, the candidate acknowledges and agrees that any personal data contained in their application or supporting materials will be processed in accordance with kinkofa’s Privacy Policy.