Smithsonian reviews

4.1

66% would recommend to a friend

(510 total reviews)
avatar

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 510 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

510 reviews
5.0
Oct 23, 2019

Stable, interesting, culture issue

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent benefits and flexible schedule (like any other federal position). What's most exciting are the professional development opportunities. Technicians get support for conferences, workshops, and continuing education, something UNHEARD of in other library systems. The work is interesting, we're encouraged to engage with the other academic activities elsewhere in the institution. The collections are amazing. There are very few institutions in the world that can offer more stimulating work.

Cons

There's a diversity problem, like everywhere in the profession. Also a serious lack of promotion potential. Everyone has an advanced degree and is qualified for the "Librarian" or other professional titles/salaries, yet there's a history of ignoring existing talent when filling these positions. There are a lot of complaints about efficiency in management, and the current administration/congress has severely cut budgets.

2.0
Oct 17, 2019

Good for the resume

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Looks great on your resume, Good 403B, Fun projects

Cons

A lot of government bureaucratic bs, Hard to move up, Bad compensation, No budgets, No work events besides the company picnic

3.0
Oct 4, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Coworkers are friendly and well-rounded Cool environment to work in Given commuter stipend

Cons

Minimum wage Management is disorganized and unprofessional (sexist and racist behavior as well) in addition to being two-faced Nepotism Scheduling is a mess. Shifts will be changed day before. During shifts they will try to send people home early.

Viewing 277 - 279 of 510 Reviews

Glassdoor has 800 Smithsonian reviews submitted anonymously by Smithsonian employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Smithsonian is right for you.