Strangest corporate (especially North America higher ed) culture (if there even is one) that ever witnessed. - Anonymous employee Pearson Employee Review

2.0
Dec 17, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits and 401K including employer contribution. However, never could understand how many people were bonused on the same sale especially the custom publishing ones. Often resorted to gimmickry (bundling book packages with useless junk) and mid-year price increases in order meet sales goals. Sales staffs were often not given their annual sales goals until mid-year or later. It was a big game with much number shuffling and smoke and mirrors.

Cons

Higher ed division mismanaged and only got worse in recent years. Company is trying to transition from print to digital but has no real idea how to achieve this. Uses terms like efficacy but no one really knows what that is supposed to mean much less explain it to the customer. Often announced poorly timed, Ill thought or impractical initiatives and programs that never really got off the ground. They were often quietly scrapped and employees were strongly advised not to bring them up in even casual conversation. Has been reorganizing for the past few years and no one really knows where this is headed (including many senior managers). Many, many employees are just keeping their heads down to not get noticed during the reorganization.

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Apr 22, 2026
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CEO approval
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Pros

Smart people, supportive environment and good benefits

Cons

Tight deadlines and it gets busy at times

2.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

When a project goes according to plan you can work with some great people and make decent money.

Cons

Bad behavior is tolerated when you have a weak team member. They are allowed to remain on payroll, even if they do not effectively contribute. The burden is often placed on the team members willing to pick up the slack. Promotions are not given to the most qualified. They are randomly assigned. There are some horrible scoring directors as a result.

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