Great for gaining experience but not a career. - Research Assistant RAND Employee Review

4.0
Feb 17, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility in working hours, telecommuting, interesting work, prestigious, high caliber of staff. Good benefits, excellent facilities, access to great lectures

Cons

if you don't have a PhD you are undervalued and underpaid. The RA position is a stepping stone (2 year max). If you want to get great experience before moving on with your education this is ideal.

Explore other reviews about RAND

5.0
May 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really flexible hours, amazing project team members, engaging projects.

Cons

You will need to network and find your own projects, sometimes finding ~3-5 projects at one time to ensure full utilization.

4.0
Jul 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting work, some brilliant colleagues, access to senior decision makers throughout government.

Cons

Stressful trying to stay fully staffed on projects (i.e., internal market within RAND)

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All