Aspen Institute Reviews

I worked at Aspen Institute as an intern for more than a year

Pros – Great people, Lots of free lunch

Cons – Career progression can be a problem

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Aspen Institute full-time for more than a year

Pros – -Nice perks, like like the Christmas party at a giant estate in Maryland were you get to spend the night
-Despite signing up as a research fellow I just sat at my desk and constantly ran out of busywork, so ended up getting lots of schoolwork and personal stuff done

Cons – If you have any shred of excitement for research and actually contributing to relevant projects avoid at all costs

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I worked at Aspen Institute part-time for more than a year

Pros – Great group of people, young people as well as career professionals that have come back to work with a specific group.

Cons – Difficult to be promoted, and doesn't publish as much as other think tanks.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I worked at Aspen Institute full-time for more than a year

Pros – Great/respected organization within the beltway, benefits are great for a non-profit, more for centrist individuals who have a passion for certain policy topics, but not necessarily an advocacy organization. Good for those just starting out (out of college), better for those who are one job from retirement (i.e. accomplished executive directors in their field). Not a good place for growth, but very well connected, so great for when moving on to a different job.

Cons – Not a good place for career growth. It is small, as all non-profits are. Most young people will stay 2-3 years at most before moving on. Some management is great, other departments have managers/directors that are not very communicative with their subordinates. Some senior staff are very demanding (mine just happened to keep me until past 8:00pm each night, interesting work, but no overtime, high to ridiculous expectations, and little feedback. I burned out quickly).

Advice to Senior Management – We understand you are busy, but be a mentor to your admin staff, even the littlest positive feedback can brighten our entire day.

I worked at Aspen Institute

Pros – relaxed atmosphere; each program acts as its own entity in that they raise their own funds therefore they act with complete autonomy of standards and practices for that program's employees/ team members; seminars and workshops are plentiful, along with the many opportunities to meet distinguished members of society, government officials, and global figureheads; the ability to mingle with a diverse group of people from all backgrounds and interests is invaluable; definitely looks good on the resume (if you are willing to put up with ulcers, gray hair, and anxiety issues in the end of it- more on that, in "cons" below)

Cons – as in the title, this is a double edged sword- since each program acts as its own entity, this also leaves much rm for error; from inconsistent standards policies and procedures, to a lack of managerial integrity, the problems stem from a blind upper management whose sight is too fixed on lofty goals, with no "peripheral" sight on core issues/ strengths/ weaknesses. working with aspen is a mixed bag: some programs are superb, some barely fit the bill; and while work life balance can be excellent with such a relaxed culture, don't let the empty promise of relaxation fool you: think carrot and stick principle, where the carrot is constantly dangling, and the stick is just a hologram of a metal baseball bat. you may get small perks like cost of living pay increase, but if you are unlucky enough to be a part of one of the less desirable programs your chances for advancement are little to none, and you will constantly be threatened. i left feeling that i wasted two yrs of my life in a glass room looking at all the wonderful things passing me by. multiple degrees, awesome personality, and a laundry list of skills were no match for the egos and agendas of the major players of the program i was in- my exit interview was combative, and management acted juvenile at best; the level of hostility i received upon leaving was shocking. Unfortunately for those not as proactive as I in willingness to quit and move on, i have heard multiple cases of severance pay with binding legal contracts (to prevent former employees from taking legal action beyond employment or otherwise). and to add insult to injury, inter-program mobility within the institute is little to none. My advice to any would be employee is to use whatever network you have to get an insider look at the institute, but more importantly take a microscope to the program you wish to work in. take some time to think about mobility and advancement within that program: if you ask your hiring manager about previous employees and the turnover is high, yet none have been promoted, unless you are passionate about that policy field (international development or environmental) then think twice.

Advice to Senior Management – no advice i can give will be enough to change the amount of character-rot i see within the institute. and to be honest, i don't believe management cares to change, OR looks at these reviews. if they do, its probably over a few glasses of brandy in their estate cigar rooms with other VPs, looking for a good laugh.

I have been working at Aspen Institute

Pros – - Potential to build a great network at Aspen events/colloquia/seminars
- Great learning opportunities as you go (there's no one holding your hand, which is fantastic if you like that kind of independence)
- My direct boss is a decent human being, so she's understanding when I have to take a day off for personal reasons
- Free food all the time

Cons – - Upper management doesn't seem to care at all about young professionals
- Lack of professional development and training opportunities
- Medical insurance is lousy, to say the least
- Aspen moves to the tune of its funders: they say open a new program, Aspen complies (even if it just strengthens the divisions already in place)

Advice to Senior Management – Show some appreciation of your young staff members and integrate mentorship into their professional development

I have been working at Aspen Institute

Pros – Work alongside accomplished and intelligent individuals who have a genuine passion for the work in their field. Meet with and listen to important policy makers and leaders everyday. Not for those who consider themselves activists or advocates, but centrist individuals interested in building dialogue between disparate stakeholders.

Cons – Every program for itself. Not for those who consider themselves activists or advocates, but centrist individuals interested in building dialogue between disparate stakeholders.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Aspen Institute

Pros – You will meet and interact with some of the most interesting people in the world. You will work alongside some truly remarkable people in a ridiculously beautiful setting.

Cons – The patrons are very demanding as they pay a pretty penny to take part in the programming. Employee dining room can be hit or miss.

Advice to Senior Management – Keep doing what you're doing. Things aren't perfect, but this is still one of the most well-organized organizations I have been a part of. Bravo.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Aspen Institute

Pros – Learn the in's and out's of how corporate offices deal on a daily, Getting time off not as hard as other jobs, Look's good on resume. They have numerous of elite leaders to visit and it gives one a chance to say that they have seen and meet the leaders.

Cons – No room for advancement, Salary deserved not given, Upper management can be rude, can't work from home if needed. Even though everyone seems nice at first, you soon realize every man is for himself and the people that have been there longer stick together. The turnover right is very high for this company.

Advice to Senior Management – Communicate with your team more and treat everyone the same. Also it will help to offer a better package when hiring, it may help keep employees.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Aspen Institute

Pros – The staff is very friendly and genuine. The small office environment has an inviting atmosphere. Staff meets regularly to discuss team goals and key achievements. Feedback is always provided and an open forum for communication is strongly encouraged. Accomplishments are always recognized and rewarded.

Cons – Not for profit salary; limited potential for growth due to small office environment;

Advice to Senior Management – None