Pros
Friends has a strong sense of community, and the relationships you build with students are easily the most rewarding part of the job. Because the school is smaller, you really get to know students personally and have opportunities to mentor them in meaningful ways. The mission and faith-based environment can also be very fulfilling for staff who value working in a Christian institution. Employees often get the chance to take on a variety of responsibilities and develop skills across multiple areas. For early-career professionals, this can be a good place to gain experience quickly and build relationships with colleagues across campus.
Cons
Like many small private universities, resources and staffing are limited, which often means employees take on significantly more responsibilities than their job description suggests. It’s common for staff to wear multiple hats and operate in a constant “do more with less” environment. Compensation does not always reflect the workload or expectations, and upward mobility can be difficult unless someone leaves their position. Work-life balance can also be challenging, especially for departments like Student Life or Residence Life where evenings and weekends are common. There can also be inconsistency in communication and decision-making at times, which can make it difficult for staff to plan or feel supported in their roles.
