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Columbia University

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The graduate student experience at Columbia University will be different for everyone. - Graduate Research Assistant Columbia University Employee Review

4.0
14 Apr 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

As a graduate student, lifestyle can be busy but is very flexible. Additionally, training is extremely good, and intellectual curiosity is strongly encouraged. Although individual situations are different, graduate students generally have a lot of freedom to pursue projects that they are personally interested in.

Cons

Work as a graduate student is heavily dependent on the mentor. Faculty have extremely diverse management styles, so that everyone's individual experience will be different. If not matched with a mentor whose style suits one's personality, the experience can be quite difficult.

Explore other reviews about Columbia University

5.0
4 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

relative stable, diverse, creative and good benefit

Cons

paid not so good, lots of work

1.0
29 May 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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