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Michigan State University

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High Expectations - Graduate Research Assistant Michigan State University Employee Review

4.0
Jan 16, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I worked as a graduate research assistance. A great deal depends on your advisor and your relationship. Also if there is funding. Overall a laid back environment with very high expectations.

Cons

You need to be self-motivated and a self-starter, there is often a lack of clear direction. Each department runs differently. Personality and politics can get in the way. There are things people get away with in academia that would get them fired in a heartbeat in the private sector.

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5.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great medical benefits, good amount of PTO and paid parental leave.

Cons

No advancement opportunity in the role

4.0
Jun 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The HPC facilities (HPCC, ICER) offer excellent access for research affiliates colpaborating with university researchers, with Slurm job scheduling and a well-managed site-specific wiki.

Cons

Annual account renewal can be a bit bureacratically clunky at times, and the Research Affiliate may have to coordinate with multiple departments and the associated PI if a system update breaks part of a legacy system.

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