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Harvard University

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Decent People, Dead End - Media Technician Harvard University Employee Review

2.0
Mar 24, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Overall a good team, everyone supports one another, especially when things get hectic or there's an urgent situation. Lots of opportunity to meet interesting people and have unique experiences around the Harvard campus. The work is engaging and requires a professional demeanor without being stressful or overly challenging. Flexible and understanding with your other commitments and schedule.

Cons

Very low pay, almost zero chance for advancement. Full time staff generally have little regard for part time technicians, communication tends to be poor, incomplete, or flawed. Expectations are unclear, initial orientation for new employees is disorganized and riddled with technical disinformation, there are no staff development or training programs offered. Hours are strictly capped to prevent you from qualifying for benefits. Technical competency required for this job is fairly minimal for a department of this type. There is little to no feedback and there are no performance reviews, there is no structure for earning pay increases based on employment length, performance, experience, etc. In general, the level of responsibility and accountability inherent in the job does not match compensation.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Light work if you have the right team

Cons

Low pay for amount of work

2.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great Union and benefits for non-profits/higher ed. Wonderful colleagues outside of leadership!

Cons

GSD Development and Alumni Relations (under current leadership) is an incredibly toxic work environment. I didn't realize the intensity of the toll it took on my until after leaving, and I am not one to leave a negative review, but as they are hiring for several positions currently, I wish to share words of caution with applicants. Cons: - Absolutely not a safe space for anyone who is Black, brown, trans, queer, working-class, or disabled - 100% top-down direction. No room for personal exploration, initiative, or creativity. - Minimal guidance from leadership - Frequent pivots, even in the late stages of projects - Petty, immature talking behind your back by leadership - No upward mobility unless the Associate Dean or Dean like you - Deeply disingenuous comments, reflections, and feedback from leadership - Complete lack of transparency on direction, goals, etc. - Small mistakes are made cornerstones of performance evaluations, while leadership routinely missteps. Leadership never takes accountability. - Top-down policy decisions, completely lacking detail, thought, and care outside of legal ramifications - Ever-changing in-office requirements

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