Good first job - Senior Associate Analyst Homeland Security Institute Employee Review

The work that HSI performs is very interesting, relevant work. HSI has a reputation for providing solid work that supports a range of decision-makers within DHS. Also, the types of analysis being performed are generally fairly cutting edge, particularly in the Operations directorate. HSI also allows employees to gain significant visibility into DHS. As a mid-level employee I conducted multiple one-on-one meetings/interviews with some very high-level decision-makers. This type of exposure allows HSI to be a great stepping stone, either to other analysis organizations/companies, or to federal employment.

There are a finite number of leadership opportunities available within the institute. Because HSI is relatively top-heavy with Principals and Fellows, mid-level employees may have trouble securing leadership positions. There is a bit of a running joke at HSI that it is a great place to be either a junior employee, or a senior employee. Some people are able to get promoted into the more senior positions, but these are few and far between.

-- 80-90% of HSI's employees are respectful, competent, and courteous. -- Employees have a wide variety of backgrounds and strengths. -- Good work is almost always met with praise. -- Most people have the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks (projects) in different areas. -- Certain managers are very flexible with working from home. -- Schedules are flexible so long as the work gets done. -- Almost everyone is accommodating for personal issues. -- Benefits are great. -- Shirlington's a great area.

-- As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, HSI has to deal with a lot of governmental red tape. -- There are a few employees who produce so little work it's mind-boggling. Most of them are infamous for it, and it's frustrating that it goes on for so long. -- I had a particular task leader who was a complete jerk, and when I talked to my manager about behaviors that I felt bordered on abusive, he didn't seem particularly concerned.