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Harvard University

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Working at HarvardX - Course Developer Harvard University Employee Review

2.0
Aug 16, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Gained experience in the field of MOOCs, worked on all aspects of 3 different online courses: created assessments, communicated and met with faculty, built courses on the edX platform, worked as a Teaching Fellow once courses went live, managed online discussion forums, sent weekly emails to 10,000+ students, worked closely with video editing teams, interns and other course leads, attended weekly research lectures, etc.

Cons

Work culture is poor. Office is very hierarchical, not a lot of interaction between management and temps or interns despite their integral involvement in course development. And mind you these temps and interns have degrees from Harvard University (BAs and MAs). Four of 5 lead course developer positions went to white males, which is disappointing given the global education focus of MOOCs. The Indian female hired for the 5th position quit after 3 months. She was replaced by another white male.

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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