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Harvard University

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Non-Academics: Get prepared for academia - Web Developer Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Oct 12, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Let's be honest: The name "Harvard" looks great on a resume. The benefits are outstanding -- they have the best healthcare plan I've ever had in my life, and, with the prevalence of unions, job security is very high.

Cons

If you don't have a PhD, you will be ignored. If you are working under a professor, you will be ignored. The politics are absolutely ridiculous, and the organization is bloated. Some of the most useless people have the best job security, simply because of their name, or who they know.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This place is huge, your mileage may vary based on which school and which department you work in - even in the same role. I have the best manager hands-down, and the team around me makes it all worth it.

Cons

Pay is slow to advance, PTO stuck at 15ish days annual, career advancement is inconsistent

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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