Brookings Institution Reviews

Pros

Collaborative culture Interview was smooth and fast(they were on top of it)

Cons

TBH I don't have any

Pros

Great, smart, collegial colleagues. Always something new to learn and plenty of opportunities to network.

Cons

Overstretched positions. No upward advancement. You will hit a ceiling after 2-3 years and will have to find something else.

Pros

Interesting work, nice team. Overall good experience.

Cons

Lots of work for the amount of pay

Pros

The best thing I can say about working here as a staffer is that you get a lot of time off. And while the recently departed president made 22 or 23 times what I made when I started, I appreciated the work-life balance.

Cons

As a place to work, Brookings revolves around senior fellows, many of whom have been around for decades. Many don’t care about the career development of staffers, who in their eyes come and go with the seasons, and fulfill needed tasks they don’t want to be bothered with. Others do care, and one’s experience with this dynamic is really the luck of the draw. Within the institution, there is wild variation among programs on senior scholars’ personal investment in the career development or research staff. Some scholars are famously hostile to proposals to elevate its importance. Other cons are the abysmal pay, retirement doesn’t kick in for 2 years, and opportunities for professional advancement among the ranks of research staff really depend on whether you’re lucky to work for someone who can make that happen, not (or very rarely) via a meritocratic, open process.

Pros

- Surrounded by really smart people - Range of experiences (research, writing, senate testimony-prep, public speaking, press) - the Brookings name on your CV and doors that automatically open - great benefits (5 weeks of vacation + 12% retirement contributions) - you get to see and hear from amazing experts—those off-the-record internal roundtables and town halls were so cool!

Cons

- decentralized so you're wearing many hats if you aren't a fellow - inconsistencies with job titles/duties (a research analyst in one dept could have tons of basic admin duties but may be solely research in another dept) - low pay compared to industry/consulting (all tied to your boss's grants) - experience is based on your dept and direct supervisor (i had good ones but know it could be toxic for some colleagues) - must know how to advocate for yourself if you have a meh supervisor

Pros

A good place to work for young professional lots of active staff committees for professional development great team, everyone plays their part GFellows are very cordial and respectful despite their status ad high achievements Brookings always looking to improve Actively committed to their values of impact quality and integrity

Cons

Hiring process too long for them to even call for first interview after applying Could do more to promote network among staff, especially younger staff Very low pay Very fast paced Expect to work a lot

Pros

Really great working relationship with senior fellows

Cons

Would love a higher salary

Pros

Incredibly smart, talented coworkers and supervisors. Caring, team-oriented environment that fosters professional growth, albeit often outside the organization.

Cons

Little room for advancement without a PhD. Unnecessarily strict about privileges around writing and interviews. Pay is not in keeping with larger trends in DC.

Pros

Good building blocks for entering government service

Cons

Management culture a little underdeveloped

Pros

Good research experience and opportunities.

Cons

No upward mobility; not much training