Fear Trickles Down From The Top - Anonymous employee Milken Institute Employee Review

2.0
Apr 16, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The location is just blocks from the beach and one block from the Santa Monica Promenade. This is great way to spend your lunch: outside and in the sun. Once you get to know most people, they are nice.

Cons

Nobody ever got promoted when I worked there and the culture of fear is like an ever-looming, negative cloud. The only research that goes on is for the big guy at the top.

Explore other reviews about Milken Institute

5.0
Apr 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people and impactful work.

Cons

No cons I can think of.

1.0
May 21, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They pay well and thus are able to hire well qualified and capable people.

Cons

I worked with MCAAD, but my experience there and my perception of the Milken Institute were aligned. This was the worst career decision I have ever made and I truly regret it. Senior leadership doesn't listen or care about others' opinions. We were often told to be quiet in meetings, and to sit and let our bosses talk. Zero autonomy. Micromanaged to an extreme. Frequent layoffs. Terrible communication between departments. HR is shockingly awful and will not respond to emails, and often makes errors on your benefit allocations. Your personal time is not respected. I waited a while to write this review so it wouldn't sound too bitter, but I strongly recommend avoiding this org. Unfortunately, the mission and their public-facing reputation doesn't align with the reality of working there.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All