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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

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Great internship opportunity for technically oriented science and engineer majors. - Summer Intern Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Employee Review

4.0
Mar 24, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very stimulating and challenging work in a variety of defense oriented fields. Incredible benefits package, and excellent opportunities for furthering your education, funded by the lab. Great leadership, patience, and concern from higher ups provides the opportunity to grow and learn much more about a field. Opportunity to work on 2-3 projects at a time, provided the ability to multitask, which allows for further growth and provides an opportunity to network with coworkers. Lastly, a lot of cool programs and clubs and intramural sports offered at this campus of over 4000, including basketball, softball, an on site gym, and other amenities.

Cons

Although they have only gone through one downsizing since WWII, all work is heavily defense funded and national defense oriented. Potential to be affected by cuts in defense spending or transitions in defense priorities. As an intern, your choices of projects can be, but aren't necessarily, limited. There aren't a lot of downsides in general, as APL is very generous towards its employees in my experience.

Explore other reviews about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

5.0
Jul 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work life balance and pay

Cons

Team dependent environment and workload

1.0
May 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Federal contractor stability and benefits Access to meaningful work with real professional value Professional development opportunities exist within the institution

Cons

Whim-based supervision with no consistent written standard A culture where informal practice overrides written policy selectively Professional development systematically blocked A management structure that documents against you while leaving comparators uncorrected The psychological cost of having to document every interaction just to protect yourself

3
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