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Stanford University

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Horrible, worst place I have ever worked. I worked in R&DE IT. - Senior User Systems Analyst Stanford University Employee Review

1.0
Apr 20, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The pay is very good, vacation time, holiday closure for 2 weeks at Christmas time

Cons

Unorganized, no structure, lack of professionalism, arrogant associate and Sr. Directors who's egos need to be constantly coddled. Lack of direction, want employee to wear multiple hats with unrealistic expectations, don't see the need to change a system that is not functioning correctly, employees who are resistant to change, leaders who have no business working in IT as they lack experience and knowledge.

Explore other reviews about Stanford University

5.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Stable beyond the out-of-ordinary circumstances like 2008 housing crisis and covid. Among other colleges and universities, salaries are higher as I looked at other listings at time of hire,

Cons

University as a whole has its base financial and guidelines for rules and policies but each department and program acts like its own system and has their own specific policies that sometimes supersedes the universities own rules stricter. It's hard to maneuver and there's a lot of verbal rules and understandings that aren't said loudly.

4.0
Jun 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Overall, Stanford is an amazing place to work. The environment and benefits can't be beat. You can go for a swim on your lunch break or a walk around the lake. The recreational classes and opportunities are usually great. Eating at the dining hall, although pricy, is a real treat.

Cons

If you're not senior management, faculty, development, etc., Stanford's pay has not kept up with the cost of living in the area. If you come for a job from outside of California, be prepared for a real shock when you see the kinds of rentals and the prices. Beauty has a price. You will not be able to live near campus as the average employee. Unless you're really familiar with the traffic in California, don't look at places that you think are an hour away, because they'll be two hours away by car. And you'll have to pay to park on campus, so not driving at all is your best option. Many administrative jobs are held by partners of people working in tech or faculty, because that's the only way you can afford to live there. If you don't have a partner making $200K+, you'll be taking the train or bus for an hour. If you're thinking about buying a house and you don't have a suitcase of cash, that sound you're hearing is my laughter. It's also important to realize that the working conditions across campus vary by unit. Working at the Graduate School of Business will seem more like a corporate job; working in Medicine could be brutal; and the treatment you will get can vary by department.

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