University of Minnesota Reviews

Pros

Great opportunities to take in seminars and conferences and to interact with researchers. Able to work very independently.

Cons

Organizational structure can be very dysfunctional. Not centrally managed - seems like many small units functioning on their own, sometimes interacting with each other but at other times colliding. It takes a long time to learn the various technological systems necessary to get work done, and it takes quite a while to build a support network because of the huge size of the University. I had very little training after I was hired, so I had to learn by the "sink or swim" method. I have worked here for over 5 years and have never had a performance review!

Advice to Senior Management

More attention needs to be paid to supporting the staff working on research projects if the University wants to be continue to be a leader in the latest medical developments. Investigators and management underestimate the time and effort required "behind the scenes" to carry out a successful research study. Studies are often inadequately staffed and civil service employees have to take on responsibilities that physicians should have more involvement with.

Pros

Lots of smart people. Supportive management. Good benefits. Opportunities to pursue personal projects as long as you can articulate the potential benefits, owing to the University's stated commitment to innovation -- although when it comes to implementation you might have a harder sell on your hands.

Cons

To say that this place is slow to change is an understatement. It's a part of the culture, for better or worse. Information systems are clunky and difficult to use. Processes that don't make any sense in today's environment continue because "that's how we've always done it." Different departments often times take a confrontational attitude with each other rather than working cooperatively.

Advice to Senior Management

Some levels of management stand in the way of progress. Personal relationships, often decades long, sometimes take priority over innovation -- people are too worried about who is going to be affected by this change or that. Recently it is starting to seem like that is now changing. Let's keep that up.

Pros

Working at the University of Minnesota allowed me to interact with students, and diverse programs or departments. The support was useful and there was often a collaborative environment.

Cons

Being a public university, many things are out of the control of the supervisor or President. Navigating workload as a result of downsizing, and inevitable pay decisions made at the state level can be frustrating.

Pros

The office environment at the University of Minnesota Networking and Telecommunication department is very flexible for the student workers they hire. My managers and other employees were always very approachable and LOVED showing you how to do things and were always very appreciative of any help they received from the student workers. Plus the office did fun lunch activities like chili contests and pot lucks. What student worker (or any employee for that matter) doesn't like free food!?

Cons

Like with any large company some changes can be slow to implement. Parking is awful but if you have a good pair of shoes it shouldn't be a problem.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work and communications with everyone. Also...GO GOPHERS!!!

Pros

Very well respected institution that places much importance on research. The university provides its employees with a wealth of resources and connections.

Cons

It seems that some people within the administration are not always aware of the needs of the departments they serve.

Advice to Senior Management

Have upper level management attempt to be more in tune with what is going on within each department. It seems that some people within the administration are not always aware of the needs of the departments they serve.

Pros

It is a good place to start as a researcher in certain areas of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. However, one must be careful in selecting an adviser, which can make or break your career goals when in Grad school.

Cons

Management could be more considerate of Research Assistants who have to work crazy hours to meet deadlines, while being compensated at a rate that is among the lowest in the country.

Advice to Senior Management

Please take care of your Research Assistants. They are the real driving force behind the University of Minnesota's research activities and achievements.

Pros

I found a summer research position and loved it. I worked with the heads of departments, met with them weekly, and submitted a paper for publication by the end.

Cons

I was probably paid the minimum amount possible for my work and wish I had had more frequent in person contact with my team.

Advice to Senior Management

The University of Minnesota's bureaucracy is bloated. If that is fixed, it has the opportunity to really improve its image as a world-class institution.

Pros

You are mostly left alone as a faculty member in doing research. There is lots of money sloshing around for things, though it is hard to access.

Cons

It is cold here. The place is in the end resistant to change and progress, and not terribly imaginative.

Advice to Senior Management

Flatten the organization.

Pros

They had free tuition for employees, now you pay a portion.
I had great benefits in my position.
Their training for accounting staff is very thorough.

Cons

They had free tuition for employees, now you pay a portion.
They reduced benefits in some positions due to state budget cuts.
There is no help for you if your supervisor is a tenured faculty, no matter how awful they are.

Advice to Senior Management

Deal with faculty who have zero management skills.

Pros

Benefits package is outstanding. Employee support balancing family and work is evident.

Cons

Revolving door last 5 years I worked there. Management teams constantly changing resulting in uncertainty among employees as to their future.