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Harvard University

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Harvard University reviews

4.2

84% would recommend to a friend

(4,069 total reviews)

Alan Garber

83% approve of CEO

69% positive business outlook

Harvard University has an employee rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 4,069 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Harvard University employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Education industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

4K reviews
5.0
May 13, 2025

Amazing

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Such a great place to work!

Cons

No cons - I really love it!

4.0
May 12, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working at Harvard offers a strong foundation for professional development. The organization invests meaningfully in employee training and provides ample opportunities to expand your skill set. It’s an excellent environment for those looking to gain hands-on experience and grow in a structured, resource-rich setting. However, the company’s hierarchical structure can make upward mobility challenging. Career advancement is often slow and dependent on internal dynamics rather than merit alone. For that reason, it’s wise to approach your time here with a 3–5 year strategic plan, using the experience as a launchpad for future roles outside the organization. Your experience will also be highly influenced by your direct manager. A strong, supportive leader can significantly enhance your growth and satisfaction, while inconsistent management styles across teams can create variability in employee experiences. In sum, Harvard is a valuable stop on your career journey—ideal for gaining expertise and building your professional toolkit, especially if you’re intentional about your long-term goals. Also -- take advantage of the free classes offered by Harvard Extension School for staff.

Cons

Upward mobility is limited for many roles.

4.0
May 10, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you work with a good faculty member, they're usually very flexible on hours per week and when you work, which works well as a student. Base pay is $21/hr, but my faculty member pays more.

Cons

Generally none, but I did have a bad experience working with one of the research centers. They were not very responsive, didn't get me on payroll until I nudged them about it, and then ghosted me half-way through the semester.

Viewing 208 - 210 of 4,069 Reviews

Glassdoor has 4,617 Harvard University reviews submitted anonymously by Harvard University employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Harvard University is right for you.