Beware: Junior Staff Not Valued, Supported, or Respected - Research Assistant MDRC Employee Review

2.0
Mar 3, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are a lot of passionate people at MDRC trying to make opportunities interesting work and make the culture better, even if change is very slow.

Cons

For research assistants and other junior staff, the experience is typically very stressful and patronizing. Research assistants are expected to "manage up" to senior staff which means that the pressures and responsibilities fall on the most junior people. Senior-level work is often off-loaded to assistants without the support to resources to help them to succeed or the recognition that they are working above their pay grade. The workplace culture is one of of toxic academia where only the voices of people in power with research accolades are heard.

Explore other reviews about MDRC

5.0
Jan 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great exposure to policy research, program development, and implementation. Supervisors and mentors are really patient and accessible.

Cons

The internship is too short.

4.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good experience out of undergrad.

Cons

Work can be boring, supervisors don't always have your best interests in mind.

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