Smithsonian reviews

4.1

66% would recommend to a friend

(508 total reviews)
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Dr. David J. Skorton

75% approve of CEO

64% positive business outlook

Smithsonian has an employee rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, based on 508 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Smithsonian employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Nonprofit & NGO industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

508 reviews
2.0
May 29, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is a review for the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. In particular for the temporary jobs that usually open for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The Festival is amazing and to be part of the experience is rewarding. You get to do your job and to learn about the cultures that at showcased at the Festival.

Cons

Most of people that work on the Festival are contractors and very young (23-28). They do not know how to cooperate as a team because each one has a specific task and they work individually. This is very young and competitive people, and not a collaborative culture. The Director doesn't cooperate, she changes her mind and lacks of leadership. Too bad such a great experience is filled with chaos and lack of cooperation.

5.0
Apr 18, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working for the 'Nation's Museum' was an opportunity of a lifetime. The accessibility and proximity to scholarship and advance research was second-to-none. The opportunities for intellectual stimulation are limitless.

Cons

A bit bureaucratic at times.

3.0
Apr 15, 2016

Varies greatly by museum

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting subject matter. Some fascinating co-workers.

Cons

No management commitment to appropriate staffing levels.

Viewing 397 - 399 of 508 Reviews

Glassdoor has 797 Smithsonian reviews submitted anonymously by Smithsonian employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Smithsonian is right for you.