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Harvard University

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HBS: Not too bad for the money - Desk Jockey Harvard University Employee Review

5.0
Sep 14, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Everyone says the benefits are great, but if you don't have a family, then who really cares? I just want to go to the doctor when I'm sick or the dentist so my teeth don't get jacked up. The best reason is really the flexibility of the managers. Most managers don't care if you need to take time off last minute, want to work from home, or need to leave early. It's also nice to have access to free education through the Harvard Extension school and also through the University. There are also some good attempts at "practical" training through the Center for Workplace Development. Plus, if you're a member of the union, you get a raise (about 5%) every year. There are also a LOT of hotties working at HBS.

Cons

It can be a little stiff in the upper levels of management, and there's a culture of "we have it the worst" in most units: i.e. most offices love to think that no one appreciates them and that they get no respect. The other downside is that you can freeze your ass off in the winter if you take public transportation because there are big gaps between the bus stops and the tunnels.

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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