A very typical graduate school in the USA - Teaching Assistant Penn State Employee Review

3.0
10 Apr 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some departments (like gravity institute and materials/nanoscience) have world-class credentials, and therefore you will too if you finish your degree there. University's emphasis on bottom line means you need never shortchange your research by taking the extra time to teach a subject competently (don't worry, your students would rather be somewhere else as well). Unless you deliberately live far from campus, everything is within walking distance of everything else, or at most you'll have a 20-minute bus commute in the morning.

Cons

Godawful insurance benefits (foreign nationals can't even get those, and must purchase their own unsubsidized plan in order to be hired). 75-100 hour weeks during crunches, which last between 1 week and 1 year. Located in a midwestern college town: if you are single, there's not much to do, and if you have a family, you'll be afraid to take them more than a block from home.

Explore other reviews about Penn State

5.0
10 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I enjoyed working at outpost, it felt a lot more relaxed not including the rush and I could joke around with staff.

Cons

Stacks felt like alot more pressure that I had to get everything right and that I was always being watched.

4.0
9 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Meaningful mission supporting community education and outreach programs. Gained valuable administrative and clerical experience, including scheduling, data entry, records management, and event coordination. Developed strong customer service and communication skills by assisting educators and community members. Worked for a well-respected public institution, which looks good on a resume. Opportunity to support nutrition education and public health initiatives, contributing to positive community outcomes.

Cons

Pay was very low compared to the responsibilities and cost of living. Limited opportunities for career advancement without changing positions or departments. Administrative work could become repetitive at times. Salary growth and raises were relatively modest.

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