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Harvard University

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Great place to work, but very ossified hierarchy" - Bibliographic Assistant Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Nov 16, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I worked in Technical Services for the Library System (buying books, essentially): Wonderful lifestyle, great place to be, nice benefits. I'm happy to have started my career there, but it's not an atmosphere that is easy to rise up in or gain more management experience.

Cons

The pay was low. Granted I was working in a Humanties field within academia, but a lot of pressure from changes in the education business really put the squeeze on headcount, overall job-enjoyability, etc.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

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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