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Harvard University

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Image/Reputation > Accuracy/Reality/Diversity/Curiosity - Anonymous employee Harvard University Employee Review

2.0
Mar 15, 2023
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The best thing about working at Harvard is the array of free resources, such as tuition to the Extension School, use of the library system, and use of learning platforms such as O'Reilly and LinkedIn Learning. That said, a minority of employees make use of these resources, which is sad because salaries and benefits are sub-par and because you'd think there would be more interest in growth and learning!

Cons

Employees are not valued for work product or effort as much as the willingness to say yes to their manager and to keep their opinions to themselves. Those in positions of authority who take on tasks no one else wants, find a way to make themselves indispensable and thereby are allowed to create toxic environments for those in lower positions. Neither department leadership nor HR will stand against those problematic managers, as it's simply a numbers game and they are considered more valuable than the individual contributors.

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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