Cons
The way the RA role is postured is dishonest and takes advantage of young professionals looking for research exposure. The title of the role, the fact that they ask for data experience and “excellent academic standing” and the early interview process lead you to believe that you will be engaging actively with and supporting the research. Once hired, it becomes clear that the role is purely administrative and you are there to push paper. They promise research exposure once you “gain the trust of your analysts,” but the lack of RAs and constant layoffs mean that even if that day comes, it’s unlikely you will have time to engage with the research in a meaningful way. Further, many analysts consistently speak down to RAs and clearly have a very low opinion of them, and if not, are only culturally used to leaning on RAs for simple administrative support, so I learned quickly that the idea of an RA engaging closely with research was almost unheard of at Forrester despite what I had been told.