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Charles River Associates

Engaged Employer

Charles River Associates reviews

4.0

74% would recommend to a friend

(603 total reviews)
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Paul Maleh

71% approve of CEO

70% positive business outlook

Charles River Associates has an employee rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, based on 603 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Charles River Associates employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Management & Consulting industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

603 reviews
4.0
Apr 10, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Works at improving communications -- several years ago it was a low point. CRA has implemented many inititatives to improve this i.e. news letters, weekly updates of new projects, practice and all staff meetings. We hire the best and the brightest. The employees seem to really want to produce quality work. The consulting staff are passionate about their areas of expertise and look continually improve. Staff care about others in the firm. They socialize and have lunch together when they can daily. It still has a small company feel even if we have grown over the years. There is satisfacation with the work life balance. Everyone works hard but seem to find time for their families. There are many senior officers who begand their careers here right out graduate school.

Cons

The compensation process is not transparent. While I think most people feel they are paid well, they do not understand the incentive system. There is a inconisisent professsional development program. Many staff get frustrated by the lack of career advancement and recognition. Senior Management is not good a communicating bad news. The rumor mill is rampant with misconceptions. Support staff feel like second class citizens. There does not seem to be a one CRA feel. Each location and practice has its own culture. Senior management does not get out and talk with staff as much as it should. Feedback is also inconsistent. Many practices are great at ensuring employee's receive feedback others ignore it.

4.0
Apr 9, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility. Many offices are non-hierarchical. Competence and talent of colleagues, especially senior managers. Opportunities for growth are impressive in the Business Consulting practice. Opportunities to switch offices, even international transfers, are possible. Professional development has improved significantly over the past three years.

Cons

Assignments internationally are far better than in the US. Practices other than Business Consulting are dry and academic with less opportunities for growth.

3.0
Apr 6, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The litigation part of the firm is extremely successful. For younger people, it's easy to use as a stepping stone to business school. For middle management, it seems it's a pass through place. Not a lot of lifers here - as there were in previous times.

Cons

There is a glass ceiling on the litigation side without advanced degree. The rainmakers on the BC side are not well positioned. Seems to be a lot of sitting around and waiting for the phone to ring. There is no a lot of concern about quality of life for junior staff. A true triangle management structure never really developed.

Viewing 586 - 588 of 603 Reviews

Glassdoor has 670 Charles River Associates reviews submitted anonymously by Charles River Associates employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Charles River Associates is right for you.