Overrated. - HR Specialist Smithsonian Employee Review

2.0
10 Nov 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. At one point my HR team was awesome, as we all helped each other and even went out after work for Happy Hour! 2. Some of the jobs I worked on were interesting (Scientific Diving Officer, anyone?). 3. The Smithsonian museums are free, so it's nice to walk around them.

Cons

1. Due to one unpleasant supervisor my HR team was decimated and a lot of people left. As of 2024 the team has still not recovered. In fact, I heard it's gotten much worse. 2. Some of the jobs I worked on were really repetitive (Wage Grade jobs that hired many Building Service Workers, Security Guards, etc. at-a-time). 3. Where is the Smithsonian Asian American Museum?! We (especially the Chinese) have contributed A LOT to the history of the United States but as usual, our minority group is overlooked and underappreciated!

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

5.0
8 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission. Strong benefits including health insurance and 403b contribution. Many people stick around for 5, 10, 15+ years.

Cons

Things are sometimes slow due to bureaucracy.

4.0
6 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There is a strong community and network in museum and natural science collections and support.

Cons

Working conditions have a standard of museum environment settings, not ideal for those that desire to be outside all day.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All