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Institute for Defense Analyses

Engaged Employer

This was an outstanding place to work for a few years right out of college before going to graduate school. - Research Assistant I Institute for Defense Analyses Employee Review

5.0
Sep 21, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The work is interesting and you get to work on high profile problems. There is a great work / life balance. Great benefits. I like the people. Very stable environment.

Cons

No real way to get promoted without an advanced degree. This is a place where you need to be self-motivated to succeed since management doesn't put much pressure on underperformers.

Explore other reviews about Institute for Defense Analyses

5.0
Jul 14, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Loved it, learned a lot and helped me grow.

Cons

Pay and lack of advancement

4.0
Jul 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very smart people across a range of STEM disciplines Freedom on what you get to work on Relative lack of office politics Interesting exciting projects available

Cons

Hard to think of a con. Every place has its own flavour and IDA CCS Bowie like anywhere else, isn't for anyone. I'm not positive either way about IDA's budget/hiring situation these days, with all the stuff going on in this general space. It also can be easy to find yourself getting lost when it comes to finding a good project if you are not careful. But even that is a bit of a reach.

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