Pros
Intelligent & Kind Colleagues: You’ll be surrounded by bright individuals and generally supportive team members. Access to Resources: Having the library, gym, and other campus facilities at your disposal is a definite perk. Positive Working Environment: In terms of interpersonal relationships, the culture can be welcoming and collaborative.
Cons
Inefficient Bureaucracy: The school is extremely fractured and divided, resulting in no consistent set of standards across Dartmouth’s main campus and its other schools. This leads to vastly different experiences and a lot of confusion. Poor HR Communication: Salary employees are paid monthly, but this crucial detail was never communicated. HR never spoke to me during the interview process, and they rarely answer the phone—you often have to physically go to their building. “Pre-Paid” Insurance Surprise: Benefits are backdated to your start date, which can lead to unexpected arrears. If you’re used to a typical corporate benefits setup, you may be caught off guard. Low Compensation: Salaries are not competitive, especially for roles perceived as non-revenue-generating (e.g., research or professors). This overlooks the importance of IT and other infrastructure-focused departments—the campus would not function without them.