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Harvard University

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Some good, some bad - Anonymous employee Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Aug 23, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Harvard University as a whole is a good place to work. Benefits are excellent especially time off and education benefits. Most people are friendly to work with. The School of Public Health has a good culture around wanting to help the greater good. The students are very driven and passionate about their education making it a pleasure to come to work.

Cons

If you are not comfortable working in a highly political environment, then steer clear of Harvard. At the School of Public Health, pay ranges from very low to average. Advancement is also very difficult. Those who know the right people seem to advance in their career and salary quickly. HR is generally unsupportive of employees.

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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