International Rescue Committee Employee Reviews about "low pay"

Pros

Productive learning environment, helpful colleagues

Cons

Low pay offered and few benefits

Pros

-worthwhile mission/cause -respected and well-known organization

Cons

-extremely high workload and expectations with disproportionate pay -high likelihood of burnout, especially for those in direct services -difficult to get a raise or promotion -executive director of our field office was completely clueless and incompetent and everyone knew it but nothing was ever done -very high turnover -time-wasting visits from headquarters that disrupt daily work

Pros

Always work to do, always new complex global issues to encounter. Depending on where you sit in the organization, interaction with extremely interesting, smart, and multicultural colleagues. There is no shortage of things to learn. The organization’s profile is only growing. Sense of purpose that appears felt by most and when it works, working in teams across the organization is really fulfilling.

Cons

Internal politics can be insane and often prohibit real, productive work from happening. Duplicative positions across departments. Rampant pay and job title disparities and generally a really poor HR department that creates issues instead of solving them. It can take a lot of effort to get a little done due to bureaucracy. Top heavy.

Pros

I met some of the best people I've ever worked with, colleagues and clients alike. My colleagues were genuine inspirations who constantly demonstrated their dedication to the field. I also found there to be encouragement for career development if desired, usually in the form of trainings or side projects. Great and liberally approved PTO.

Cons

Low pay is the number one issue you will hear at company-wide meetings. The CEO makes almost one million dollars (I wonder what his father would think) while you have people in the US and outside who have or want to pursue advanced degrees, but find the compensation does not reflect these credentials or encourage this goal. I also found myself fundamentally disagreeing with a lot of funder guidelines. The American government being what it is, there is a lot of pocket watching of the poorest people in the country. On the employment team, you also have to encourage and witness your clients suffer through some of the most horrible employers - meat packing plants, chain restaurants, assembly line manufacturers. At what point is the IRC importing race to the bottom employment to the United States?

Pros

Direct contact with refugees/asylees, really make a difference in client's lives

Cons

Lack of parking in building; had to pay for garage

Pros

Lots of interesting work Great clients Great people

Cons

Lots of work Not great pay (since it’s AmeriCorps)

Pros

Technical Excellence, Functional & efficient systems

Cons

Relatively low pay compared to the work and to similar organization.

Pros

If you're looking for a nonprofit, IRC really is great. Even though I onboarded during covid, they make you feel connected to the whole IRC network and programs across the US. Even if you don't work directly with refugees, they make your work fulfilling and help you understand how all employees are connected to the larger causes. Everyone is very nice and passionate about the work, so the environment is great. They also never want you to work overtime which is great if you are looking for a job that won't surprise you with demanding work outside of your set hours. It's all pretty straightforward and chill to work here.

Cons

You can't work overtime - if you are wanting more pay and a quick promotion, this may not be a good fit. Pay isn't great but it's pretty decent for a nonprofit but you can try to negotiate pay a bit but not much room for growth. But still solid benefits and calm work environment, so just depends what you're looking for. I think it's a great stepping stone for those right out of college wanting a first job and good name on their resume with decent pay and getting humanitarian experience. But hard to imagine long term career without higher education or working in the private sector to make more money.

Pros

The most memorable part of my experience with the IRC were my incredible colleagues and incredible clients. Their personality and spirit in one word: "Survivor." The work is challenging, strenuous, educational, and inspirational.

Cons

The work is stressful and time consuming. The work is never done. Many people feel a deep, strong commitment and passion for their work. But this also means they work incredibly long and stressful hours for very little pay.

Pros

It's a laid-back internship and you get to meet a lot of really cool people and make a difference in people's lives

Cons

It's unpaid and they almost force you to make a 'donation' to pay for your background check ($30)