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Harvard University

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Good place to start out, but opportunities end quickly - Staff Assistant Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Mar 17, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent benefits and an amazing array of cultural opportunities on-site and with the discount program. The hours are much better than the private sector, with work-life balance really being a top priority. Great name recognition for future opportunities as well. Oh, and the opportunity for staff to take free classes for Harvard credit!

Cons

The lower level staff positions are union, so there is almost no chance for natural career growth through promotions based on performance. You just have to wait until someone vacates another job and then apply for it. The compensation is quite a bit below a comparable private sector job, though still not terrible.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Light work if you have the right team

Cons

Low pay for amount of work

2.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great Union and benefits for non-profits/higher ed. Wonderful colleagues outside of leadership!

Cons

GSD Development and Alumni Relations (under current leadership) is an incredibly toxic work environment. I didn't realize the intensity of the toll it took on my until after leaving, and I am not one to leave a negative review, but as they are hiring for several positions currently, I wish to share words of caution with applicants. Cons: - Absolutely not a safe space for anyone who is Black, brown, trans, queer, working-class, or disabled - 100% top-down direction. No room for personal exploration, initiative, or creativity. - Minimal guidance from leadership - Frequent pivots, even in the late stages of projects - Petty, immature talking behind your back by leadership - No upward mobility unless the Associate Dean or Dean like you - Deeply disingenuous comments, reflections, and feedback from leadership - Complete lack of transparency on direction, goals, etc. - Small mistakes are made cornerstones of performance evaluations, while leadership routinely missteps. Leadership never takes accountability. - Top-down policy decisions, completely lacking detail, thought, and care outside of legal ramifications - Ever-changing in-office requirements

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