University of Pennsylvania Reviews

Pros

You can take undergraduate classes for free, and graduate classes for a severely reduced price. Also a relaxed collegiate atmosphere.

Cons

Poor management, and difficult to grow in your position without more education.

Pros

very good research environment, active faculty and students

Cons

But the management within each individual lab is completely up the the skills and personality of the lab head

Advice to Senior Management

provide each employee more channel of feedback other than their direct supervisor, for example, regular feedback from other colleagues and customers.

Pros

brand name recognition
collaborative environment (to an extent)
good career development department
relatively relaxed environment (flexible scheduling, casual dress, etc)

Cons

poor feedback on performance
collaboration is hit or miss-- depends on the individual
standard university politics
potentially overly research focused

Pros

Prestige of working at an Ivy league university; good reputation

Cons

Lots of apathy; poor pay as a postdoc and poor opportunities for advancement

Advice to Senior Management

Reviews that are solicited should not just be done so for reporting purposes, but to serve as an instrument for change in a rapid manner

Pros

Wonderful, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, outstanding reputation, challenging work, great opportunities for professional development, family friendly benefits, diversity, beautiful campus.

Cons

Very decentralized, some people find it hard to transfer within the University

Advice to Senior Management

More communication to staff

Pros

Of course it depends on the professor you work for, but I've found the university to treat the staff very well, and reward good work. Benefits are quite nice, and I enjoy working in the city as well.

Cons

If you're not tenure track there's only so far you can advance in the scientific fields. University environments can be somewhat chaotic, too. Academic salaries are nothing to write home about.

Pros

benefits, especially degree assistance
colleagues

Cons

There is a lack of advancement opportunities, and a political and bureaucratic environment (that is to be expected at any University).

Pros

Great research community
The benefits
Brilliant people, great collaboration
Being on the front edge of business and technology

Cons

Bureaucratic
Lower salary than industry comparables

Pros

Solid infrastructure support for researchers

Cons

You need to support yourself or perish

Pros

lots of smart people who come from different parts of the world

Cons

every bit of change requires some sort of a action comm.