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Caltech (California)

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Prepare to be underwhelmed - Communications Specialist Caltech (California) Employee Review

1.0
Jun 4, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Benefits for part-time employees -Some events -Decent location/proximity to shopping and food

Cons

I have been absolutely disappointed in this institution from the very first day. For one, they basically negged me during my interview but promised me a good work-life balance and a team I could depend on. They proceeded to mess up my onboarding so badly that very important processes and permissions were still in my predecessors name 6 MONTHS IN. They messed up my start date and management is so blatantly uncaring that they expect that you can do everything without training or guidance. The entitlement and condescension is real from management - prepare to be treated like an assistant unless you have a managerial role and prepare to have the division pile on whatever they want onto you. A large number of people in admin are (contrary to working in Cal*TECH*) are anti-tech and refuse to learn and are quick to blame instead of trying to understand. Processes and what you can and cannot do vary from person to person so you may need to send 10+ emails and get a run around before finally getting what you need, if at all. Absolutely infuriating experience.

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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