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Stanford University

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Underpaid, misinterpreted, and terrible bosses with a lack of leadership skills and toxic culture is encouraged - Staff Accountant Stanford University Employee Review

1.0
10 June 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Beautiful campus, there are a few nice people to work with. Public transit is paid for, and free shuttle service to campus.

Cons

The culture is toxic and people are encouraged to not work as a team. I had a very gossipy boss. She acts sweet and she kisses up to her bosses all the time. If you make a tiny, non-life threatening error she was quick to blame you. The supervisors also do not listen to you if you have a suggestion to improve efficiency. While working at Stanford, I wanted to help improve a process by setting up a friendly meeting with the business partners. At the meeting we discussed what could be improved, but after my meeting my boss told me I was stepping out of line and she was furious with me. Additionally, my boss had the audacity to even criticize my personal life and my situation (when I really did not share much with her). Though she may argue she is being "honest" her comments has no place in a professional environment. She even turned her employees against each other. When I was a contractor I was once stupid enough to believe her. To add insult to injury the head of the department makes a ton of money, but shares none of it with his employees. In fact every year, I would receive a note from Stanford that my pay is below the poverty level and qualifies for additional tax credits. Even the bonuses and the raises (if you get any) are cheap. I only received a lousy bonus of $500 with 60% of it eaten by taxes. I worked my tail off as I was doing the job of two people with no one available to help me despite having the time and resources. Run from this job don't walk or get out as fast as you can your pay will never improve. Supervisors are more worried about their own hides than your professional development, your wellbeing, or growth.

Explore other reviews about Stanford University

5.0
22 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good healthcare benefits, cost covered by departments

Cons

Very high COL for the stipends - many students spend >60% of salary on rent.

4.0
19 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Overall, Stanford is an amazing place to work. The environment and benefits can't be beat. You can go for a swim on your lunch break or a walk around the lake. The recreational classes and opportunities are usually great. Eating at the dining hall, although pricy, is a real treat.

Cons

If you're not senior management, faculty, development, etc., Stanford's pay has not kept up with the cost of living in the area. If you come for a job from outside of California, be prepared for a real shock when you see the kinds of rentals and the prices. Beauty has a price. You will not be able to live near campus as the average employee. Unless you're really familiar with the traffic in California, don't look at places that you think are an hour away, because they'll be two hours away by car. And you'll have to pay to park on campus, so not driving at all is your best option. Many administrative jobs are held by partners of people working in tech or faculty, because that's the only way you can afford to live there. If you don't have a partner making $200K+, you'll be taking the train or bus for an hour. If you're thinking about buying a house and you don't have a suitcase of cash, that sound you're hearing is my laughter. It's also important to realize that the working conditions across campus vary by unit. Working at the Graduate School of Business will seem more like a corporate job; working in Medicine could be brutal; and the treatment you will get can vary by department.

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