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Caltech (California)

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A well funded university with lots of perks and community benefits that you won't find at larger university. - Postdoctoral Researcher Caltech (California) Employee Review

4.0
Jun 30, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The small size of the university makes it a pretty cozy work environment. Because the university has typically has large scale resources, there are lots of perks that go with being an employee here. Plenty of office and department parties, seminars, events that come with free meals. The campus is beautiful and easy to get things done because there are not a lot of barriers to access the most Senior management people. There are many events open to entire community. Cultural programming at Beckman auditorium, educational lectures by some of the world's greatest scientists, and musical programs give the campus a decent cultural life despite its small size and isolation from other universities. Case in point: the Caltech Olive Festival. Nowhere else would this have happened.

Cons

Being a small university is both a curse and a blessing. Many people within the administration were used to doing things in a unstructured, less-professional way because it is a small university and there are a smaller number of people to serve. Large turnover, "changing of the guard", and restructuring has occurred at Caltech in the administration over the last 5 years and the downsides are getting better, but remnants of the past are still there.

Explore other reviews about Caltech (California)

5.0
Jul 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great environment, lots of interesting talks going on every day

Cons

Lack of dining options, society too small

4.0
Jul 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Experience depends on Department and Professor. HSS is supportive of their employees, some great admins. Career development programs and other educational opportunities. Lots of brilliant researchers. Grad student and postdoc union.

Cons

The university is no longer supportive of HSS. Salary is typical for this position, which is bad. Departments are somewhat siloed, not so much collaboration. Federal funding cuts are having bad effects on operations and research.

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