employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Metropolitan Planning Council

Is this your company?

Research Assistant - Research Assistant Metropolitan Planning Council Employee Review

5.0
8 Aug 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At MPC you are able to delve into a variety of projects and you are encouraged you to jump to meetings or projects that you are interested in. As someone just starting out in the field, there is a lot of potential to meet others in the field and make great contacts if you decide to make that a priority. Everyone is super sweet and encouraging from the President, Mary Sue, to Vice Presidents, Associates, and other Research Assistants. MPC organizationally leads with its values, which makes them an effective voice in Chicago. I would hear time and time again coworkers talking about their values and why they choose to take on or not take on certain projects.

Cons

With limited time it is difficult to fully engage in a project. I would recommend at least devoting 3 days a week to the work. Going downtown everyday is expensive for an unpaid position! They do offer $35 per month in transportation compensation, but that was a drop in the bucket as far as my total spending to get to the office.

Explore other reviews about Metropolitan Planning Council

5.0
31 Aug 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The entire team at MPC is supportive and vocal about how to improve your research and project management to better target anti-racist policies and solutions to urban problems.

Cons

Not enough time in the day to finish all the projects you want!

1.0
18 Apr 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This is a small organization, and it is easy to get to know people. That said, it is difficult to feel like you are part of the organization's work.

Cons

This is a horrible place to work. Metropolitan Planning Council is a very respected organization. However, it is the most poorly run nonprofit I have worked for over a 30-year career. The organization has lost 36 percent of its funding between 2022 and 2024. Rather than looking for solutions, MPC's look for people to blame. The HR team failed to give me proper vacation credits for my time worked, and they failed to provide me with a W2. Their VP of Philanthropy and Marketing will blame you for all of her failings. The organization is incredibly siloed with poor leadership.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All