If you're looking for an IT staff position, stay away - IT Penn State Employee Review

2.0
Oct 4, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Probably the best employer in the area, which isn't saying much. Reasonable but declining benefits. If you are an outside hire you can bargain for a decent salary with a reasonable cost of living. Decent life/work balance. In general, coworkers are nice enough, some are excellent. Opportunity to support higher ed, which is a laudable activity. It is large enough that if you are in a different area you might have a totally different experience. Move around in the university if you land in a bad spot. It's also large enough that different professions deal with very different realities.

Cons

Small raises. Declining benefits. Culture is caustic and toxic. Constant interim leadership positions. Expect to move your desk (or office if you are lucky enough to have one) more than once a year. Expect to reorg at least once a year. You will be reassigned to other organizations after your org is nuked and no longer exists. Nepotism is everywhere. Silver bullet mentality rules from above - They keep searching for that commercial product or practice that will fix things instead of involving staff in decision making processes, or even talking to staff to try and understand the root of problems. Terrible leadership. I mean REALLY bad. Various egos larger than the campus rule the place. Staff are treated as third class citizens by HR. Faculty have the faculty senate in shared governance to represent them. Students have an ombudsman and various governance to represent them. Staff have squat. Nada. No governance or neutral grievance resolution process.

Explore other reviews about Penn State

5.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I enjoyed working at outpost, it felt a lot more relaxed not including the rush and I could joke around with staff.

Cons

Stacks felt like alot more pressure that I had to get everything right and that I was always being watched.

4.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Meaningful mission supporting community education and outreach programs. Gained valuable administrative and clerical experience, including scheduling, data entry, records management, and event coordination. Developed strong customer service and communication skills by assisting educators and community members. Worked for a well-respected public institution, which looks good on a resume. Opportunity to support nutrition education and public health initiatives, contributing to positive community outcomes.

Cons

Pay was very low compared to the responsibilities and cost of living. Limited opportunities for career advancement without changing positions or departments. Administrative work could become repetitive at times. Salary growth and raises were relatively modest.

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