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 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.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All