Charles River Associates Reviews

Pros

- Smart and highly-motivated colleagues working on intellectually challenging projects. - Collaborative, relaxed and friendly culture - Unlike many jobs out of undergrad, junior analysts are asked to think critically and contribute to strategy sessions. - Nature of the work means you develop very strong quantitative skills through in-depth data analysis while also honing qualitative skills during presentations and report drafting. - Small enough organization where proactive individuals can take on a lot of responsibility early in their careers and advance quickly

Cons

- Long hours are expected for any consulting job, but often the work flow is very uneven: one week is very quiet and the next is overwhelming. This is largely due to the nature of the cases, but also somewhat due to poor project management - Very easy to be invisible: individuals have to actively seek opportunities and are responsible for developing relationships with PMs all on their own. One person's experience with the firm can be entirely different from another peer just due to the managers they work with. - Base pay is slightly under industry standard. This is supplemented by a generous bonus structure that can make total compensation well-above industry standard. But tapping into that bonus level requires consistently long hours throughout the year.

Pros

Good culture, good people. Office nice

Cons

Low pay compared to industry average. You’re not better

Pros

Flexibility, little micromanagement, clear growth structure

Cons

Projects that are of interest or skillset can be limited if VPs do not sell the work

Pros

Intelligent, thoughtful colleagues. The atmosphere isn’t as cutthroat as I’ve experienced at other firms. Some very high profile clients and the firm has been rapidly growing over the past few years. Great medical and dental benefits!

Cons

Despite the fact that the firm is growing and profitable, the salaries - corporate and consulting - lag behind competitors. Although, some of that depends on who is your manager. I enjoy my job & colleagues but I know that if I had a different manager, I would have been promoted much sooner. It’s discouraging to work so hard when your manager has no idea what you do. The main reason I’ve stuck around is because of the people although I’m at the point now where a healthier paycheck is more important to me. Too many 3% COL raises which don't even keep pace with inflation. Also, the firm is starting to put most of your annual salary increase in the form of a bonus rather than a typical wage increase. There are numerous reasons why this isn’t ideal; I could write 2 pages on this topic.

Pros

Work is challenging and interesting

Cons

Not enough cross practice collaboration

Pros

Good working environment and challenging work

Cons

okay salary and pressing deadlines

Pros

If you want to do life sciences consulting, this is the company to be at. You won't receive better consulting training anywhere else. I've worked with some of the best consultants and best people at this company. They really care about your professional development here and allow you many opportunities to improve and excel. The company culture is very healthy and receptive to feedback. I also very much enjoy a hybrid remote work environment. As for some minor perks, the office is always stacked with snacks and lively people who are great.

Cons

Pay may not be as competitive as other consulting firms, but I'm hoping that will change soon. Since I joined, there have already been several comp adjustments to make the position more competitive composition-wise.

Pros

The support you get in the office is great.

Cons

Work-life balance is a bit stretched.

Pros

Interesting work, good experience coming out of college.

Cons

Very little work-life balance, easy to burn out after a few years for junior staff.

Pros

Friendly coworkers and good starting place for a career

Cons

sometimes overtime, slightly lower pay compared to other companies