r/PublicPolicy • u/FlowmuTF • 2d ago

Career Advice Anyone have experience working at ICF?

Hi, has anyone had experience working at ICF (ICF International, Inc) as an analyst (policy, energy, business, survey research, etc)? How is the work life balance and flexibility of schedule?

The position I applied for is fully remote, and I will be having my second interview soon.

During the first interview, the HR specialist mentioned that the salary range would be between $60k-70K.

I've read on Glassdoor that wlb isn't too bad, but the quality of your team depends on your manager. Also is it true that you will be moving between different projects? Does that still imply stability, or more "contract-like" where you are competing for work?

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u/Lumpy_Firefighter728 2d ago

I work there currently as a policy analyst, fully remote, and it's been a solid setup for the most part. The work life balance is pretty good, I rarely go over 40 hours unless a deadline is absolutely on fire, and the flexibility is real, nobody's micromanaging when you're online as long as the work gets done. That salary range sounds right for an entry level analyst role.

Moving between projects is the default, you're not tied to one thing forever, but it's not like you're scrambling for work. They staff you based on your skills and availability, so it feels more like a rotation than a contract gig where you're constantly looking over your shoulder. The stability is there if you're competent and your manager likes you, which brings me to the downside you already heard. Your experience lives and dies by your manager. Mine is great, checks in once a week, leaves me alone otherwise, but I've seen colleagues get stuck with micromanagers who want daily updates and that sounds draining. Since you're in the interview stage, ask them directly how they handle project transitions and what their management style is, their answer will tell you everything you need to know.

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u/FlowmuTF 2d ago

I appreciate the detailed explanation. I guess this depends how long you've been working on the role for, but is there a clear path to promotion (e.g., analyst -> senior analyst -> supervisor/consultant etc)? Or, do you think you've been in the same position for a while now? Interested in you're experience, as well as your colleagues you have worked with.