Harvard University reviews

There is a lot of bureaucracy and my office was very reluctant to making changes-- big or small--that would increase efficiency and improve the overall work environment. There was also a ton of staff turnover, especially amongst Staff Assistants, who in my office, usually worked harder than their managers (skipping lunch, staying late even when managers have left), despite being underpaid and valued.

- I don't know what this position is preparing me to do in the future. It's easy and you get paid pretty well, but I fear that while it's good as a single 20 something now, I will potentially lack the skills and real experience that would allow me to make a lot more money later when it matters more (with a family for example). - Merit is not really a thing here. Union members get automatic increases. It doesn't matter if you're any good or not. Almost no incentive to do anything more than necessary to stay on your manager's good side. - Different rules for staff vs managers. Gets frustrating. Mind you, not on paper, but in practice. - I don't know anyone outside of my narrow little department. There isn't really a feeling that we all work for the same thing. - No clear direction. - In theory, tons of awesome educational benefits, especially the ability to get degrees for 90% off or $40 / class at Extension School. But who has time for this?? Don't let stuff like this trick you. - Good to get in for a few years and then get out. - Very little sense of purpose. - High turnover. - Harvard overall is a monoculture. The assumption is that your personal beliefs are secular and progressive. You will not want to say much anything if you don't fit into those categories. It's very common for these things to be assumed when others start conversations with you.