The "school" and "administrative" side are NOT the same
Pros
- DLC's have the ability and autonomy to run their area how they see fit (for the most part). While I think there is currently too much autonomy, autonomy is still a sought-out aspect. - Good benefits - I don't believe anyone was furloughed during the pandemic, even if their role was 100% travel (I.e. they were paid their salary while having no work to do). While I think this is a bad business decision, it is very generous of MIT. - unless you are very incompetent, you are likely to keep your job.
Cons
- MIT is known for exceptional education and research, but don't assume that applies to the administrative side, as you would be so wrong. Out of 10, I give their administrative processes and oversight a 4. DLC's (department, labs and centers) follow their own processes and central HR directs close to nothing on an institutional level (i.e. central HR does not require that all areas use the same process for collecting references (mine were actually never checked), background checks, annual review increases, etc.). - Folks who have no business being promoted are frequently promoted. This exists everywhere but I have never seen it to the extent that it exists at MIT. I.e. The senior HR leader for the school told me to offer lower than what HR compensation approved because everyone negotiates (this is a legal issue because only basing salary on negotiation is harmful to the salary gap as males are historically more likely to negotiate). I of course did not do this, but from what I understand other DLC’s in the school do. This person was recently promoted to an even higher-level position. - Be aware of who you are talking to when asking current employees how they like working at MIT. If you are talking to someone who has been at MIT for over 15 years as apposed to someone who has been there for 3 years. I recommend doing both and seeing where their perspectives differ, if applicable. This is not to say that MIT is terrible, this is more to determine if MIT is a good fit based on your personality/preferences.
