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Harvard University

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A large, beaureucratic institution where you feel invisible - Staff Assistant III Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
May 8, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The pay and benefits are decent though not amazing. Brilliant and talented students, faculty and many staff members.

Cons

Middle management is awful and has to drink the Harvard Koolaide if they want to get a long and move up the ladder. This means they believe Harvard really doesn't have enough money to pay you overtime or hire enough staff. Many departments are always understaffed. Toxic managers and workplaces were tolerated if the work got done. Took a large pay cut to work at a better place that values me and understands I am a human and not a robot.

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

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