Stressful though stimulating - Researcher RAND Employee Review

3.0
Oct 10, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You can work on a wide range of areas and skills at RAND and can enjoy an unusual level of independence in your schedule and areas of work.

Cons

While not malicious, the organization is structured to take advantage of its staff as much as possible while providing no structured support. You are on your own to ensure you don't get put in a bad spot and set up to fail; and while that may be a reasonable expectation for a short term gig it gets old over time. Work life balance can be non-existent and has many of the characteristics of an "up or out" culture without any of the upside financial rewards typical of companies that explicitly use that management style.

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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