employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Columbia University

Is this your company?

All the great minds you could ask for... but you have to know what questions to ask. - Graduate Student/Research Assistant Columbia University Employee Review

4.0
Jun 11, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It's a top research institution. You have access to some of the best minds out there. It's also conducive to interdisciplinary research. The location, just outside of NYC, is pretty great - it's perfect for city people (commute by bus) or country people (live in the boonies, commute by car).

Cons

Nobody tells anyone anything! There are few written guidelines and lots of ad hoc rules. Formal vacation days are a pretty new thing. Also, dealing with Columbia University itself can be a challenge.

Explore other reviews about Columbia University

5.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My job with the Columbia Population Research Center is fully remote, which is a great perk. I can also create my own schedule and work any day of the week.

Cons

The pay could be better.

1.0
Jun 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people in the trenches The students The passionate faculty

Cons

Leadership, their inefficiencies and poor decisions Very dysfunctional environment HR does whatever leadership tells them to do, including covering issues by "friends of the boss", This favoritism approach also includes approvals for who gets to work from out of state even when the position can be easily filled by local workers and the creation of new jobs for those that are chosen. Very poor financial decisions. Big big pay on top, Low pay on bottom. Very little room for growth unless someone likes you and you are the right color.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All