Intern - Intern Epilepsy Foundation Employee Review

Strong in human services values.

Pay is less than it could be.

The Epilepsy Foundation gave me my first fully remote work experience, which was a major benefit. The flexibility allowed for a healthy work-life balance, and I appreciated the opportunity to travel a couple of times each year for conferences and organizational events. Most importantly, the mission is meaningful. Supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy and seeing the impact of that work was rewarding and something I will always value.

My experience was challenging due to a lack of organizational stability, transparency, and leadership consistency. During my time there, the organization went through multiple leadership changes, which often resulted in shifting priorities, unclear direction, and uncertainty about long-term goals. I was hired into a role with the expectation of receiving mentorship and professional development from my direct leader. However, due to extended absences and leadership transitions, I often found myself navigating responsibilities without the guidance, training, or support needed to be successful. As a result, performance expectations sometimes felt disconnected from the level of onboarding and development that had been provided. I also experienced role expansion without corresponding clarity, support, or compensation. At times, it felt like I was performing the responsibilities of multiple positions while still lacking a clear understanding of the organization’s strategic vision and priorities. One of the most frustrating aspects of my experience was feeling that employee perspectives were not consistently sought out or valued. As someone who enjoys innovation, problem-solving, and contributing new ideas, I often felt excluded from important conversations and decision-making opportunities. This was very different from my previous professional experiences and ultimately contributed to my decision to pursue entrepreneurship. Compensation was another challenge. In my opinion, employees were often asked to carry significant workloads without pay that reflected the scope of their responsibilities. I also believe the organization has opportunities to improve diversity, inclusion, and representation within leadership and decision-making structures. Overall, I would recommend this organization to individuals who are deeply passionate about nonprofit health advocacy and mission-driven work. However, professionals seeking strong mentorship, organizational stability, innovation, career advancement, and a clearly defined strategic vision may find the experience frustrating over the long term.