Graduate students are slaves - Anonymous employee Penn State Employee Review

2.0
Sep 23, 2011
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you are absolutely sure you want to follow an academic career path then PSU is a reasonable choice. Decently cheap location, diverse departments ect.

Cons

Location, not very many activities to do. Nearest large cities are four plus hours away. Also signing contracts that were not all terms are honored by direct managment is a reall issue.

Explore other reviews about Penn State

5.0
Jun 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They were very flexible with hours and it was a fun place to work. There was lots of downtime to do other things while on the clock, and an e-bike to get around campus quickly.

Cons

Toward the end they got pretty strict about keeping your computer on a certain tab to take online tickets, and you could get in trouble for not doing it. It’s tedious work overall.

4.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

flexibility. I'm on a fellowship I won with a great advisor. It is not so good for others.

Cons

An inherently liminal position with severely reduced benefits.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All