Started out strong, became disillusioned - Analyst ICF Employee Review

1.0
Nov 12, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to work with some high-profile clients on projects and programs that really do make a difference. There are many divisions and groups in the company, so you're almost guaranteed to find something that you're interested in doing.

Cons

Where to begin? ICF recently changed its vacation/sick time policy in favor of a PTO system, which is proving to be confusing at best and stingy at worst. Work/life balance is already terrible across the board, whether you're single and childless or have a family. With less vacation/sick time available, the new PTO system will make work/life balance even worse in favor of work. But the money doesn't make up for it. Salaries are a joke compared to other companies. Raises are laughable, usually between 1-3% without a promotion, which are also hard to come by, even for the most talented employees. Bonuses and comp time for long hours are nearly non-existent. Do a great job and go "above and beyond" what's expected of you, and you might get a bonus or comp time, but you're more likely to get a pat on the ass and another hefty assignment for which you'll be asked to work long hours again. Showing talent and aptitude really doesn't get you anywhere at ICF; instead, it just gets you strapped with more work. Good thing we have laptops so we can work at home all night instead of at the office! Every project I've worked on has been under-staffed and run inefficiently; yet, management would sooner lay off talent to cut costs and load up other employees with too much work than hire to staff-up projects. They call it "matrixing" the employees but really it's an excuse to be cheap. Got an idea on how to improve efficiency of a project? Don't even bother, because senior management will just steal your idea and take the credit.

Explore other reviews about ICF

5.0
Mar 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People, Mission, Culture, Technology, Remote. You work on projects and technologies that actually impact and improves the day to day lives of people around you, the community and the Country

Cons

Pay, No much room for upward mobility. If you are a high performer, you'll struggle as the structure rewards years spent in the company vs level of expertise or experience.

5.0
Jun 23, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Awesome training and good benefits.

Cons

I cant think of any.

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