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Columbia University

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Mixed - Assistant Director of Human Resources Columbia University Employee Review

3.0
May 29, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The Columbia name, the compensation and benefits are attractive. The size of organization allows for mobility and advancement if you want to grow professionally.

Cons

After eight years at CU and having worked in 4 different departments, some departments/schools are better to work in than others. Overall as an institution, it still operates paper heavy, it would help to bring it more online and create better e- systems. There's a need to modernize more and invest in new programs, software, systems, etc., so we can be more efficient in how we run as a university/school/department. There's a lack of clarity on what the policies are among different departments, including the central offices where the policies come out of. This causes too much time wasted on trying to figure out how things should be done. Even some of the policies that are written down are too vague, unclear or confusing. While other polices don't exist in writing but really should.

Explore other reviews about Columbia University

5.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

friendly, helpful, support, great work culture

Cons

high demand, stress, pressure, adminstrative

1.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefits and work-life balance were generally reasonable.

Cons

The Internal Audit department was one of the most disappointing work environments I have experienced. Columbia promotes a culture of collaboration, trust, and support, but that was not reflected in my experience. Leadership micromanaged employees to an excessive degree, especially on work-from-home days. If you stepped away from your computer for a few minutes, it felt like you had to justify your whereabouts. Rather than encouraging employees to learn and grow, management often made people feel foolish for asking questions or not knowing something immediately. The atmosphere was stressful, morale was low, and trust between leadership and staff was virtually nonexistent. I would not recommend this department to anyone seeking a supportive or professional work environment.

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