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National Security Agency

Engaged employer

Not what it used to be - Anonymous employee National Security Agency Employee Review

3.0
24 Mar 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay is, or was, decent for new grads. Intern programs will get you plenty of training and experience in multiple offices quickly, so you don't have to worry about being stuck somewhere that's not a good fit. If you're in Maryland, reasonable access to internal training. The usual federal government advantages apply: reasonable vacation time (4 wks/yr after 3 yr service), extremely low expense ratio for retirement account, job security (barring furloughs). Oh, and doing SIGINT is fun.

Cons

Major caveat: if you don't get hired into an intern (development) program, do not accept the offer. You'll be on a two-year probationary period, during which you can't apply for internal vacancies, so development programs are the only way to make sure you aren't stuck in a bad office. NSA is extremely headquarters-centric; HR processes work on the assumption that you'll go back to Maryland in a few years. As a result, it's difficult to apply to the jobs you want if you're not at headquarters, because you'd have to curtail your tour and that takes lots of paperwork. (Staying in one place generally doesn't seem to be a problem if you really want to, however.) This may not be a problem if you like the DC area, but if you don't then it does limit your options. Sadly, the agency doesn't care about professional development like it used to. Between the fallout from the GSA affair and leadership's desire to do who-knows-what with the money, good luck getting to any external conferences. NSA seems to have a fetish for open-plan architecture to a disastrous degree.

Explore other reviews about National Security Agency

5.0
2 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

“Very understanding and helpful in both direct and indirect ways. They generally have a passive communication style and may sometimes appear somewhat abstracted due to various challenges; however, they remain honest, thoughtful, and understanding in their approach to human nature. While not perfect, they are reflective of complex dynamics and are helpful in many ways when supporting employees and contributing to the protection of the United States and the broader global community.”

Cons

“Sometimes the agency may overdo certain things, but the intentions are generally well-meaning. Over the years, I have developed a better understanding of the complex dynamics involved. Some employees may occasionally feel overlooked or indirectly affected; however, many aspects of the organization are still beneficial and necessary. At times, employees are expected to follow agency directives and sub-directives, even within branches that may face limitations or operational challenges. While individuals may not always agree with every related factor or decision, the agency often has broader reasoning behind the actions it considers necessary. There is both a complex and practical approach to many areas of its structure and orientation. The social and interpersonal dynamics are not always ideal; however, the organization generally means well in many respects. I would recommend maintaining durable and respectful communication with employees and individuals, especially in uncertain or sensitive situations. The environment can feel complicated at times, particularly when someone is unsure of where they stand, but people are often still considered and valued even when they may not personally feel that way.”

3.0
16 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Large Variety of projects to support

Cons

Too much redundancy, multiple diff teams of people working same project without common knowledge or communication - hard to own responsibility with no responsibility

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