Research Assistant, Santa Monica - Research Assistant RAND Employee Review

3.0
May 23, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It's a great place to work on interesting problems with intelligent people. It's satisfying to know that we help improve the rationality of government decision-making. One of the best things is the almost-nonexistent hierarchy; there are hardly any tiers of management between researchers and executives. Furthermore, it has a fairly relaxed culture in comparison to the typical corporate feeling.

Cons

While the overall benefits package is all ok, my salary has been unsatisfactory. I'm hoping that I can remedy this through a change in job titles. Otherwise, I may leave.

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)

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