Too much of a mixed bag - Research Analyst Westat Employee Review

2.0
Jun 25, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A few opportunities to get research experience and work on different projects Can work remotely but limited for local people Nice cheap cafeteria and gym Pay for graduate degrees if willing to commit to 2 years post-degree

Cons

Only one track for promotion presented to me which is note-taking for client meetings, and fragmented budget process, no mentoring or training. Senior people still run client meetings and make decisions so real opportunity for leadership. Very top-heavy environment and completely dependent on senior people to get on proposals and give you work and decide what role you play. Lines are not clear as to what you can initiate. Pressure to work on more than one project and then you are not treated same as FT people who get more perks. Everyone works on billable hours so pressure to be always busy, bill to multiple projects, and have enough work which results often in OT but no "comp" time arrangement. If you raise issues or questions about process with clients, there can be internal repercussions. Depends on client, but regulations and constraints make hard to do job effectively.

Explore other reviews about Westat

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great company to work for. Training is always effective and well designed.

Cons

Projects/data collection periods could be longer.

4.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some of the leadership are fantastic! Pay is fair

Cons

Some staff do not respect lower staff; especially when they are Black lower level staff. Reactive instead of proactive when it comes to training up staff as opposed to hiring consultants Benefits and pay suffered after the administration took over Work-life balance frequently is an issue. Intrusive work expectations.

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