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Harvard University

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Enjoyed the PhD program at Harvard - Graduate Student Harvard University Employee Review

5.0
Oct 22, 2024
Recommend
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Pros

I truly enjoyed the program. My advisor was supportive and attentive. Moreover, I benefited from excellent mentorship from older students. The stream of visiting scholars that came through the department every year truly enriched the experience and gave me a perspective of the developments in the field. In addition to the academics, the department and graduate school organized a vibrant social program that brought the cohort together, especially in the first year.

Cons

The housing market in Cambridge is tough and prices are high.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Highly dependent on your team, but my experience has been super positive. Everyone I've worked with are kind, smart, intellectually curious, which motivates me professionally and personally.

Cons

This is not just for Harvard, but pay ranges are generally lower than industry. That's just academia.

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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