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Harvard University

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Harvard: come here for the benefits, stay for the benefits. - Software Engineer Harvard University Employee Review

4.0
Jun 16, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The generous and liberal benefits. Good health care (with many extras added to the plans). Generous time off that you even get to take (sometimes). Heavily subsidized T-pass. Free bus between campuses (great if you live in Boston, work in Cambridge or vice versa). Theoretical 35 hour work week for non-exempt employees. Some folks actually have it, others not even close. Some very smart folks to work with. Some really exciting projects and challenges. The name means a lot on your CV or resume.

Cons

The benefits have a cost and that cost is salary. Harvard is generally just not that competitive (to similar positions in the area). They are trying to make up some ground through bonuses / reviews, but the disparity remains very, very large at times. If you need to drive to either campus (Cambridge or Boston), parking is expensive and there is usually a waiting list for a permit. Don't expect a spot as soon as you sign on, unless you're a big wig. They don't seem to have the same trouble the rest of us do ...

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
Jul 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent infrastructure, people, breathtaking resources

Cons

None, really. Wish they offered 2 year postdocs at the MHC

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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