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Caltech (California)

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A well funded university with lots of perks and community benefits that you won't find at larger university. - Postdoctoral Researcher Caltech (California) Employee Review

4.0
Jun 30, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The small size of the university makes it a pretty cozy work environment. Because the university has typically has large scale resources, there are lots of perks that go with being an employee here. Plenty of office and department parties, seminars, events that come with free meals. The campus is beautiful and easy to get things done because there are not a lot of barriers to access the most Senior management people. There are many events open to entire community. Cultural programming at Beckman auditorium, educational lectures by some of the world's greatest scientists, and musical programs give the campus a decent cultural life despite its small size and isolation from other universities. Case in point: the Caltech Olive Festival. Nowhere else would this have happened.

Cons

Being a small university is both a curse and a blessing. Many people within the administration were used to doing things in a unstructured, less-professional way because it is a small university and there are a smaller number of people to serve. Large turnover, "changing of the guard", and restructuring has occurred at Caltech in the administration over the last 5 years and the downsides are getting better, but remnants of the past are still there.

Explore other reviews about Caltech (California)

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to interact with many smart people

Cons

Dining halls should be better

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I really like the people I work with. Managers promote psychological safety and follow through with their commitments . My direct managers are interested in my growth and professional development. There are a lot of affinity groups to connect with. Overall a great community to be a part of. Caltech has good benefits and even mental health counseling available for staff.

Cons

Because the campus is lightly administered/decentralized, policies can vary a lot by department, which can make things really confusing for the initial period. However, if you’re open to talking to others and making connections, it can go a long way in helping you figure out how things work on campus. Another negative is that departmental culture can vary. Working as an admin in one department may be much more difficult than in another department.

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