Universiteit Utrecht Reviews

As is common with Dutch Universities, the top-down management structure of Utrecht University can sometimes be slow to respond to a situation, and only after lots of meetings and decision making rounds. This can sometimes be frustrating. If it is clear that a certain situation needs a certain systematic solution, it can be hard to breaking through the system of meetings-and-evaluations to quickly respond. Sometimes, it reminds you of what Jiskefet used to joke about. Although there is room for personal growth, the range of available options for personal development is more limited than at, say, a privately held company. Being a University, there is less pressure to maximize the value of each of its employees than at a private company.

Culture of temporary contracts and very old-school/rigid evaluation criteria. Limited possibilities for permanent contracts. Previous universities really made some effort to show that employees were valued; Utrecht does none of this (i.e. no christmas boxes, employee appreciation). In my specific working group, supervisor never offered positive feedback or encouragement; was big-shot recruited from outside academia and clearly lacking in managerial or leadership skills. Policies to keep programs/classes entirely in Dutch language and force employees to have Dutch language credentials- very anti-international feeling