Smithsonian reviews

No real talent in administration, people come to the Smithsonian really expecting something special because it's well, the Smithsonian, and are really, really disappointed. Administration staff severely overworked and likely underpaid. Bad talent never gets fired only demoted and moved around. Many people stay because of name and nothing else. I would not recommend the Smithsonian to anyone who is really looking for an engaging and inspiring career -- if you like brand names, go for it -- but you certainly don't get brand name quality here.

Unfortunately, the work environment in the Office of Advancement (OA) was challenging. The culture was often hostile, especially toward staff of color. Instead of focusing on developing staff and helping them succeed, management seemed to focus on finding and punishing shortcomings. This created an environment where employees felt unsupported and undervalued, making it difficult to thrive professionally. Work-life balance was also a struggle. The timesheet system, which required separate entries for two or more days in person versus two or fewer, was unnecessarily complex and frustrating. Additionally, the 30-minute lunch break was inadequate and did not allow time for staff to properly recharge. Basic staff needs were often overlooked. For instance, there was no access to safe drinking water, and essential amenities such as tea, coffee, or break areas were not available, making the work environment feel less than supportive of employee well-being.