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Charles River Associates

Engaged Employer

Great stop for bright junior level staff to learn and grow for two or three years - Consulting Associate Charles River Associates Employee Review

3.0
Jun 19, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

We do very interesting and very good work in the business consulting group, with international work opportunities available if you can make the case. A great stepping stone for junior level staff, preparing them for roles in industry, for business school, or for law school. If you are working in the best groups or with the best managers you will learn a lot, work directly with clients, and have a high level of responsibility and exposure.

Cons

CRA has very high quality people for the most part, although some slip through the cracks and come in not knowing powerpoint and excel, and leave not knowing them very well either. CRA does not have an "up or out" policy like most consulting firms. Promotions are given out like candy by some and withheld by others, resulting in a lack of a clear career progression for junior level staff. Junior staff are not trained and given opportunities to manage work... Depending on the type of project and who the manager is, junior level staff can be victims of the "expert-analyst" model, can be pidgeon-holed, and are often used as "brute analytical and googling resources" than as true consultants.

Explore other reviews about Charles River Associates

5.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

High compensation and interesting work

Cons

Long hours for some weeks

4.0
Jul 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people, interesting work, autonomy in project choice after proving yourself

Cons

Pay is not competitive, upside for high performers is limited

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