Helpful (1)
I worked at Worldwatch Institute
Pros
Because the institute has a smaller staff, there's a very tight knit community where everyone can brainstorm collectively on marketing or fundraising strategies. As an intern, I was able to bounce ideas off everyone in the office which was very nice to be able to do.
Cons
At Worldwatch Institute, since everyone for the most part has their own research project, you do feel isolated from projects that you're not directly contributing to. Since I was interning for the communications director, I got to see bits and pieces of ongoing projects but for those that are just working on their own projects --they may not have as much of a grasp on all the projects going on.
Advice to Management
I think the institute would really benefit from more group meetings just so that everyone can have an idea of what everyone else is working on. Since the staff is small, it shouldn't be hard and wouldn't hurt for everyone to get together and share what they are working on.
Helpful (1)
I worked at Worldwatch Institute
Pros
- Engaging team who work in a hard-working and positive environment - Their was flexibility in choosing what projects I wanted to work on - Work was very relevant to what my background was, plus I learned a lot about non-profit think tank through practical experience
Cons
- There could be a little more communication between teams responsible for each program
Advice to Management
Go to conferences/talks and lunches together more because they are the are team-building and generate a knowledge sharing environment
I have been working at Worldwatch Institute for more than 2 years
Pros
--Highly motivated junior staff --Nimble research teams focus on high impact opportunities --Small size gives great opportunities for stepping into management roles
Cons
--Funding --Limited communication between research & admin departments
Advice to Management
--Promote engagement of senior/remote staff in office --Strengthen pipeline from junior to mid-range professional staff to promote retention
I worked at Worldwatch Institute full-time for more than 4 years
Pros
Organization with smart, talented and dedicated people who actually want to do good for the world, but the organization unfortunately just doesn't have enough resources to support the staff.
Cons
Poor management, limited funding and resources, unwillingness of the upper management to evolve and try new ideas and projects and step away from the the old school type of think tank.
Advice to Management
Reconsider institute's overall strategy and maybe even consider hiring a business development or strategy consulting firm to help with that - an expensive endeavor, but maybe a much needed one.
Helpful (1)
I worked at Worldwatch Institute
Pros
Highly organized and efficient working environment
Cons
Not too much communication between different departments
Advice to Management
more team building event
I worked at Worldwatch Institute part-time for more than a year
Pros
The people a really great. Working in the office, there are more interns than staff because they work remotely. Even though, everyone is kept to themselves, if you need any help or advice, they will guide you
Cons
1. Similar to the post below. VERY VERY VERY Unorganized and horrible management. You will sit at your desk for 5 days with no assignments, then on a Friday at 4pm, you will receive an email saying they want a product over the weekend. (Let me remind you this is unpaid if your an intern). I do not understand why this organization waits to the very last minute on everything. 2. About 90% of directors and working staff...
Show MoreAdvice to Management
Change everything.
I worked at Worldwatch Institute full-time
Pros
This is a small non-profit where staff members - both in research and administration - can get a lot of experience. Office culture is generally positive with a good mix of senior and junior staff members, (strictly speaking overqualified) interns, and passionate researchers. Great healthcare plan!
Cons
Staffing shortage means you are often overworked with very little pay. Salary and budget pales in comparison to other environmental nonprofits in the field of sustainable development Very little interest or investment in human resources, professional development, or office culture. Plagued by financial problems and mismanagement
I have been working at Worldwatch Institute full-time for more than 2 years
Pros
It's outsized reputation looks good on the resume if you're interested in a nonprofit career.
Cons
I agree wholeheartedly with this reviewer: "Seems to have trouble getting projects funded, probably because other similar environmental NGO's are doing bigger better things. Unfortunately management and long-time employees still think WW's voice is more important in the environmental dialogue than it actually is. They actually fail to see any need for change despite the hand-to-mouth situation WW has apparently been...
Show MoreAdvice to Management
Corporate culture is difficult to change, but it starts at the top. In Worldwatch's case, a wholesale shift is necessary.
I worked at Worldwatch Institute full-time for more than 2 years
Pros
Generous time off and paid benefits for full-time employees Intelligent young staff who are just breaking into the environmental policy arena, and you can definitely get your feet wet Very social group of people who often get together outside the work day Casual dress and flexible work schedules
Cons
Management and organizational culture are the biggest disadvantages to working at this organization. Senior managers lack necessary management and interpersonal skills Certain administrative staff can be catty and severely bottleneck projects Organizational livelihood is sacrificed due to the large egos of the Board Unspoken belief that young professionals add no value, meaning there is no upward mobility Long inefficient...
Show MoreI worked at Worldwatch Institute part-time for more than 2 years
Pros
This is a great place to work if you are just breaking into the professional world, and need a place to cut your teeth. Particularly good for interns (if you're not looking to be paid). Atmosphere is filled with intelligent young professionals - many with impressive backgrounds. The Climate and Energy staff and the Agriculture staff really know their stuff. More of a big family feel here than an office and...
Show MoreCons
Poor management here - some are catty and have bad attitudes, some are impossible to work with, some love to hear themselves talk, and many share the belief that younger staffers are inferior. Not an ideal place to blossom but you'll find respite in the younger people there. This place is a bit of an intern factory. 10+ interns working simultaneously (and that's just in office). And while they are generally intelligent,...
Show MoreAdvice to Management
Stop micromanaging and pay attention to the ideas and complaints of your younger staffers. Put some money into your marketing/comm department to bring it up to date. Get rid of the employees who are difficult to work with and bringing little to the table. These employees, combined with the poor future financial outlook, and little room for professional growth lower morale and cause talented staff to leave for...
Show MoreThis will replace the current featured review for targeted profile. Are you sure you want to replace it?
Are you sure you want to remove this review from being featured for targeted profile?
Worldwatch Institute Response
June 1, 2016 – Communications and Marketing Director
You'll be happy to know that we've implemented monthly all-hands meetings. We've also started monthly "salons," where the staff gathers to discuss topics of sustainability in a semi-structured discussion. We are really looking to connect across programs in order to maintain the holistic ...
Show More