Abt Associates: Careers, Internships, and Consulting Insights

Abt Associates is a global consulting and research firm focused on social impact, international development, and public policy. Known for projects that improve health systems, economic development, and climate resilience, Abt has become a leading name in mission-driven consulting. If you want a career where your work supports positive change, Abt Associates may be a strong fit.

In this article, we will explore what Abt Associates does, its history, career opportunities, internships, salaries, culture, and more.

Key Insights:

• Abt Associates is a consulting and research firm specializing in social impact, healthcare consulting, climate, and economic development.
• Founded in 1965 by Clark Abt, the firm has grown globally with more than 3,600 employees and 12 offices worldwide.
• Abt Associates careers span research analyst to director roles, offering mission-driven work in international development consulting.
• The Abt Associates internship provides training in research and data analysis with mentorship from senior consultants.
• Abt Associates salary ranges from about 75,000 for analysts to over 200,000 for directors, balancing compensation with meaningful work.

What does Abt Associates do?

Abt Associates is a consulting and research firm that helps governments, NGOs, and businesses address global challenges in health, economic growth, climate, and social equity. The firm provides evidence-based solutions through data analysis, policy design, and project implementation across multiple regions.

Abt’s work spans several practice areas:

• Health and healthcare consulting projects in areas like HIV prevention, maternal health, and health systems reform
• Economic growth initiatives, including workforce development and market system strengthening
• Education, youth, and family programs designed to improve access and equity
• Climate and environment projects that support sustainability and energy transition
• Research and evaluation services for federal agencies and international organizations

For example, Abt has led large-scale public health programs funded by USAID and supported economic development reforms in emerging markets. Its blend of consulting expertise and applied research makes it unique among firms focused on social impact consulting.

What is the history of Abt Associates?

Abt Associates was founded in 1965 by Clark Abt in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the mission of applying research and consulting expertise to solve pressing social challenges. Since then, the firm has expanded globally, working in international development, healthcare consulting, and economic reform projects.

In its early years, Abt gained recognition for:

• A contract with NASA in 1967 to apply space technology to urban and social development
• Pioneering social science methods like cost-benefit analysis and case studies for U.S. federal agencies
• Launching a job corps program and conducting the first “social audit” to measure community impact

By the late 1970s, Abt Associates had become the largest private social science research firm in the United States. As federal research budgets tightened in the 1980s, the company diversified its client base to include commercial and international partners.

Key milestones include:

• 1990s: HIV prevention trials and health system reforms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• 2000s: Expansion through acquisitions like SRBI, strengthening research and survey capabilities
• 2010s: Major contracts in Africa and Asia-Pacific, including health and climate projects funded by global development agencies

Today, Abt Associates operates across more than 50 countries, combining consulting services with rigorous research to influence policy and improve lives.

Who owns Abt Associates and who is the CEO today?

Abt Associates is a privately held company, originally founded by Clark Abt, and today operates as an employee-owned firm. The current CEO is Kathleen Flanagan, who has led the organization since 2009 and guided its expansion in international development consulting and research.

Ownership at Abt Associates is structured through employee ownership, meaning that staff members collectively hold shares in the firm. This model aligns the company’s mission-driven work with the interests of its workforce, creating a culture of accountability and shared purpose.

Under Kathleen Flanagan’s leadership, Abt has:

• Expanded its global reach into Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America
• Increased focus on healthcare consulting, climate programs, and economic development
• Invested in diversity and inclusion programs and employee resource groups
• Secured large-scale contracts from organizations like USAID and the UK Department for International Development

This ownership and leadership structure reinforces Abt Associates’ identity as a consulting firm dedicated to both social impact and organizational sustainability.

How many employees and offices does Abt Associates have worldwide?

Abt Associates employs more than 3,600 people and operates from 12 global offices, with headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Its workforce spans North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa, reflecting the firm’s international development and healthcare consulting focus.

The firm’s offices support diverse client needs:

• United States: Rockville (HQ), Cambridge, Atlanta, Boulder, New York City
• International: London (UK), Brisbane (Australia), and multiple locations in Africa and Asia-Pacific
• Staff include economists, public health experts, data scientists, and consultants focused on policy and research

The size and global presence of Abt Associates allow it to deliver consulting services in over 50 countries, combining local expertise with international reach. This broad footprint helps the firm manage large-scale projects funded by governments, NGOs, and development agencies.

What careers are available at Abt Associates?

Abt Associates careers span consulting, research, project management, and technical roles in areas like health, climate, and economic development. The firm offers opportunities for analysts, consultants, subject matter experts, and leadership positions across its U.S. and international offices.

Typical career tracks at Abt include:

• Research Analyst: Entry-level role focusing on data collection, evaluation, and project support
• Consultant and Senior Consultant: Managing client relationships and leading project workstreams
• Technical Specialists: Experts in healthcare consulting, climate policy, or economic growth initiatives
• Project Managers and Directors: Overseeing large-scale development programs and policy research contracts

Employees often highlight the chance to work on mission-driven projects that address global challenges, from strengthening public health systems to advancing renewable energy solutions. Career growth is supported by training, mentorship, and opportunities to transition across practice areas.

Working at Abt Associates appeals to candidates interested in combining consulting skills with meaningful social impact. The firm’s career paths align with its international development consulting mission, making it a strong fit for those committed to global problem-solving.

Does Abt Associates offer internships for students and graduates?

Yes, Abt Associates offers internships that provide hands-on experience in research, consulting, and data analysis for students and recent graduates. The Abt Associates internship is designed to develop technical skills, expose interns to global development projects, and connect them with senior professionals in the firm.

Internship features include:

• Training in research methods, evaluation, and consulting skills
• Opportunities to work on projects in healthcare, climate, and economic development
• Direct mentorship from consultants and technical experts
• Networking with leadership and exposure to client-facing work

These internships are competitive and attract students from top universities with interests in social impact consulting and international development. Many interns transition into full-time Abt Associates careers, making it a strong entry point for candidates who want to build expertise in mission-driven consulting.

How much does Abt Associates pay consultants and analysts?

Abt Associates salary levels vary by role, with research analysts typically earning around 75,000 to 80,000 per year and senior research analysts earning between 100,000 and 115,000. Directors can make 200,000 to 250,000, reflecting the firm’s focus on mission-driven consulting rather than maximizing pay.

Salary breakdown by level:

• Research Analyst: ~75,000 to 80,000 annually
• Senior Research Analyst: ~100,000 to 115,000 annually
• Director: ~200,000 to 250,000 annually

Compensation at Abt Associates is generally lower than salaries at MBB consulting firms but competitive with other international development consulting organizations. Employees often highlight that the tradeoff comes with meaningful work in healthcare consulting, economic development, and climate-focused projects. Benefits packages typically include health coverage, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements.

Is Abt Associates a good firm to work for?

Yes, Abt Associates is considered a good firm to work for if you value social impact, meaningful projects, and work-life balance. Employees often highlight the firm’s collaborative culture, diversity programs, and mission-driven focus as reasons they enjoy working there.

Employee feedback frequently points to strengths such as:

• Opportunities to contribute to international development and healthcare consulting projects
• A culture that emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth
• Strong diversity and inclusion programs, including resource groups and equity initiatives
• Balanced work hours compared to larger commercial consulting firms

On the other hand, reviews sometimes note that compensation is lower than at top-tier strategy firms. However, many employees view the tradeoff as worthwhile because of the firm’s focus on projects with direct social impact, from climate programs to economic development initiatives.

What industries and practice areas does Abt Associates serve?

Abt Associates serves industries connected to social impact, working in healthcare, economic development, education, climate, and justice. Its consulting services and research expertise support governments, NGOs, and international organizations in addressing global challenges.

Key practice areas include:

• Healthcare consulting: HIV prevention, maternal health, and health system strengthening
• Economic growth: Workforce development, financial inclusion, and market systems reform
• Education and youth: Improving access, quality, and equity in education systems
• Climate and environment: Energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable resource use
• Justice and governance: Policy evaluation and strengthening institutions for public accountability

Industries served by Abt Associates span federal governments, universities, nonprofit organizations, and development agencies worldwide. By combining consulting expertise with applied research, Abt delivers practical solutions for clients that seek long-term social and economic impact.

What is the Abt Associates interview process like?

The Abt Associates interview process is primarily fit-based, focusing on your motivation for social impact consulting and alignment with the firm’s mission. Candidates can expect behavioral questions, resume-based discussions, and occasionally case or technical exercises depending on the role.

Typical interview elements include:

• Behavioral questions such as “Why do you want to work at Abt Associates?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
• Role-specific discussions for positions in research, data analysis, or healthcare consulting
• Occasional case questions or problem-solving exercises for consultant-level roles
• Emphasis on communication skills, teamwork, and demonstrated interest in international development or nonprofit consulting

To prepare, it’s best to research Abt’s recent projects, understand its mission-driven approach, and highlight experiences that show your interest in policy, research, or global development. Clarifying the exact format with the recruiter before your interview ensures you’re ready for both behavioral and technical elements.

What exit opportunities do consultants from Abt Associates have?

Consultants from Abt Associates often transition into roles within NGOs, international development organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit consulting firms. Because of the firm’s niche focus, exit opportunities tend to remain in the social impact and policy space rather than traditional corporate consulting.

Common exit paths include:

• Program management roles in large NGOs or foundations
• Policy or strategy positions in U.S. federal agencies or international development agencies
• Research and evaluation roles at universities and think tanks
• Impact investing and social enterprise consulting opportunities
• Senior positions in global health, climate, or economic development organizations

Unlike MBB or Big 4 exits, Abt alumni are more likely to continue careers aligned with healthcare consulting, international development, and social policy. For professionals committed to advancing equity and sustainability, these exits provide continuity with the mission-driven work they began at Abt Associates.

Abt Associates: Key Takeaways

Abt Associates is a mission-driven consulting and research firm that combines evidence-based analysis with global development expertise. From careers and internships to salaries and exit opportunities, the firm offers pathways for those committed to social impact. With projects in healthcare, climate, education, and economic development, Abt remains a strong choice for candidates seeking meaningful consulting work.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q: Who are Abt Associates competitors?
A: Abt Associates competitors include other consulting firms in social impact consulting, international development, and healthcare consulting, such as RTI International, Mathematica, and FHI 360. These firms also focus on research, evaluation, and government contracts.

Q: Who is the CEO of Abt Global?
A: The CEO of Abt Global, also known as Abt Associates, is Kathleen Flanagan, who has led the firm since 2009. Under her leadership, the firm has expanded in economic development projects and healthcare consulting.

Q: What is Abt known for?
A: Abt Associates is known for its international development consulting, healthcare consulting, and nonprofit consulting work. The firm is recognized for delivering social impact solutions in research and evaluation, climate and environment programs, and economic development projects.

Q: What is Abt short for?
A: Abt in Abt Associates is short for Clark C. Abt, the company’s founder. The name reflects its origins while the firm has grown into a leading consulting firm focused on government contracts and social impact consulting.

Q: Does Abt do 30 under 30?
A: No, Abt Associates does not do a 30 Under 30 program. That recognition is associated with Forbes, not Abt Associates or its consulting services.