employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Harvard University

Is this your company?

Academically great, financially terrible - Graduate Research Assistant Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Sep 24, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to work on cutting-edge research alongside some of the brightest individuals on the planet. The department I am a part of does an excellent in transforming you into an effective and well-rounded scientist.

Cons

Harvard is easily the stingiest corporate entity I have come into contact with. They spent a record amount of money on an anti-union campaign against their own graduate students, they consistently take months to reimburse for travel costs and they frequently prohibit full-time lab technicians to avoid paying full benefits.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent infrastructure, people, breathtaking resources

Cons

None, really. Wish they offered 2 year postdocs at the MHC

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

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All