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Harvard University

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Very rigid environment and unorganized planning, especially in IT - In IT Harvard University Employee Review

2.0
6 Mar 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good pay and excellent benefits

Cons

They squeeze out every possible ounce of work from you and expect you to constantly go above and beyond for them. Forget about work/life balance, if you work for certain managers that is simply out the window. They also sometimes make rash and last minute decisions, expecting staff to scramble and figure things out on the fly. In IT, it's always better to actually p-l-a-n rather than redo or undo.

Explore other reviews about Harvard University

5.0
9 July 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Highly dependent on your team, but my experience has been super positive. Everyone I've worked with are kind, smart, intellectually curious, which motivates me professionally and personally.

Cons

This is not just for Harvard, but pay ranges are generally lower than industry. That's just academia.

2.0
30 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great Union and benefits for non-profits/higher ed. Wonderful colleagues outside of leadership!

Cons

GSD Development and Alumni Relations (under current leadership) is an incredibly toxic work environment. I didn't realize the intensity of the toll it took on my until after leaving, and I am not one to leave a negative review, but as they are hiring for several positions currently, I wish to share words of caution with applicants. Cons: - Absolutely not a safe space for anyone who is Black, brown, trans, queer, working-class, or disabled - 100% top-down direction. No room for personal exploration, initiative, or creativity. - Minimal guidance from leadership - Frequent pivots, even in the late stages of projects - Petty, immature talking behind your back by leadership - No upward mobility unless the Associate Dean or Dean like you - Deeply disingenuous comments, reflections, and feedback from leadership - Complete lack of transparency on direction, goals, etc. - Small mistakes are made cornerstones of performance evaluations, while leadership routinely missteps. Leadership never takes accountability. - Top-down policy decisions, completely lacking detail, thought, and care outside of legal ramifications - Ever-changing in-office requirements

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