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Harvard University

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Harvard: Good benefits, limited career growth potential - Systems Administrator Harvard University Employee Review

3.0
Mar 30, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits are good -- though not the best. Having Harvard as a resume line doesn't hurt. Having a defined pension is very good -- virtually unheard of in "the real world." Other perks are available as well, and Harvard is an excellent place for when one's "work/life" balance requirements are heavily skewed toward the "life" aspect.

Cons

Limited to no career growth potential. It's hard to get a job at Harvard, and once inside, it's a feat of strength to move up, particularly in another part of the university. Lateral moves are possible, but even those are hard to come by.

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5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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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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