Worldwatch Institute Reviews

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.

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

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.

Pros

Highly organized and efficient working environment

Cons

Not too much communication between different departments

Advice to Management

more team building event

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...

Advice to Management

Change everything.

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...

Advice to Management

Corporate culture is difficult to change, but it starts at the top. In Worldwatch's case, a wholesale shift is necessary.

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...

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...

Cons

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,...

Advice 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...