Very interesting projects, low pay - Research Assistant RAND Employee Review

4.0
Jun 18, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Projects are genuinely interesting and meaningful, with huge opportunities to learn about new areas and new research methods. Colleagues are some of the brightest and best, pleasure to work with and learn from

Cons

Pay is very low for the work, and hours can be long (50-60hrs not unusual). Office politics is abundant - sometimes feels like a disconnect between senior management and the lower research staff.

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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