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Columbia University

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Pay attention to the red flags - Systems Administrator Columbia University Employee Review

2.0
20 Mar 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people in general, an amazing University, and some of the most state of the art research being done in academia.

Cons

Co-workers who are uninformed, don't listen, or take informed advice about getting tasks accomplished. A strong desire for the heads of Dept. to "get ahead" versus working with their Department cohorts. Absent leadership that "check in" just for the sake of checking a box with zero follow through. An extremely slow on boarding process A network of individuals who don't communicate their expectations or desires inline with what professional tools are made available to work with. An IT department who continually fail to work with other departments. In essence if it doesn't feel right, abort mission, stay away, and avoid at all costs...even if it looks like a "good fit" at first.

Explore other reviews about Columbia University

5.0
21 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The labs and team were great

Cons

Occasionally hard to get support from admin

1.0
12 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people in the trenches The students The passionate faculty

Cons

Leadership, their inefficiencies and poor decisions Very dysfunctional environment HR does whatever leadership tells them to do, including covering issues by "friends of the boss", This favoritism approach also includes approvals for who gets to work from out of state even when the position can be easily filled by local workers and the creation of new jobs for those that are chosen. Very poor financial decisions. Big big pay on top, Low pay on bottom. Very little room for growth unless someone likes you and you are the right color.

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