Observations after more than a decade in survey research at RTI
Pros
Good benefits Flexible work schedule and telecommuting opportunities Competitive Salary with annual salary increases Nice mission statement and worthwhile research efforts Lots of smart capable people Ample Paid Time Off (if you can find time to take it)
Cons
Poor collaboration between divisions and most divisions do not respect SRD as a whole. Lack of respect for anyone who does not have a PhD in most divisions. No work life balance: expect 12-15 hour days 6 days a week 12 months a year with no overtime pay No recognition when you pull off miracles or innovations and get highly complex studies in the field, on time, under budget, meet response rate goals and delivery superior data quality. No that is called "achieved" on your review and you will get the same 1-3% salary increase everyone gets. Promotions are not based on performance expectations or standards (none of which are very clear and are different for everyone) instead it is all about who your project director and group leader are and if they will go to bat for you. Junior to mid level staff never get to enjoy winter holidays- that is crunch time for project launch Also more senior never get to enjoy summer as that is proposal season and you are expected to churn those out on top of your 12-15 hour work day Fall is presentation season another added expectation on your time and little to no project or overhead money to support the effort nor any reward for the extra effort. Huge recent push to have "lean" "fast- start" projects which translates to underbid, understaffed and unrealistic time schedule and results in stressed staff, and poor product and projects end up over budget because things were not properly planned for and designed. Morale is getting worse as is the work life balance and culture of leadership. Under current leadership do not expect things to improve.
