Tell me about the work environment at G.U.

[Anonymous]

I expect to be offered a job at Georgetown University. I will be leaving a company where ethics, civility and kindness are paramount. What is the work environment at Georgetown U. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It will all depend on the department. I have friends who work there and love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It will all depend on the department. I have friends who work there and love it.

This is true. My department which runs programs abroad and is located off campus is not so great. There are a few abusive managers. Several people left after having a nervous breakdown. Many people complained to HR and Affirmative Action but no action was ever taken. It started when the dept manager hired her acquaintance to become Adm Officer. It is really sad what is happening. We have now been told not to contact anybody who ever worked for that dept in the past (!). People are scared.

[Anonymous]

My friend had an interview at the GU Law Journal for a graphic designer position. She was spooked just from the interview. Said it seemed like a toxic and highly disorganized environment. She turned the job down and now works at CUA, where she is pretty happy.

[Anonymous]

I worked at the alumni house and loved it but agree, it varies by department.

[Anonymous]

I've worked on main campus for the past six years, and have appreciated the great sense of community. It's a fantastic place to work (not to mention the amazing benefits) so I would definitely recommend it!

[Anonymous]

"Several people had nervous breakdowns" once a friend of the dept. head was hired. Really? Sounds a bit dramatic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It will all depend on the department. I have friends who work there and love it.

This is true. My department which runs programs abroad and is located off campus is not so great. There are a few abusive managers. Several people left after having a nervous breakdown. Many people complained to HR and Affirmative Action but no action was ever taken. It started when the dept manager hired her acquaintance to become Adm Officer. It is really sad what is happening. We have now been told not to contact anybody who ever worked for that dept in the past (!). People are scared.

You should report it higher up. If you think they will retaliate do it anonymously.

[Anonymous]

As a student in the Nursing Program, ran into some people who were tough to be around. It was not anything that I could not work around but I would think twice before I would consider working at GU after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've worked on main campus for the past six years, and have appreciated the great sense of community. It's a fantastic place to work (not to mention the amazing benefits) so I would definitely recommend it!

Tell us about the amazing benefits -- particularly what I hear is a pretty good tuition discount for your kids if you manage to stick it out for a decade.

[Anonymous]

....if you stick it out for a decade. What a laugh. The best laid plans......how about if your Mom who works at GU is a psycho bitch....posing as a high functioning goody good girl ! By the time you reach high school you realize you are trapped in the reality that you are stuck at GU!!! What would you do? The answer is get the hell out of dodge !!

[Anonymous]

Feel the need to mention: I have not met one person who has crawled out of GU that I have any respect for. They breed jerks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Several people had nervous breakdowns" once a friend of the dept. head was hired. Really? Sounds a bit dramatic.

I am sure that that's what the bully bosses were saying about Mr. Morissey, Editor at the U. of Virginia before he could not take it anymore and committed suicide.

[Anonymous]

I love working at Georgetown and agree with the Main Campus poster about the strong sense of community.

There are pros and cons to any work environment. GU is good place for people to gain experience in various areas. It can be a stepping stone / learning experience to later move into government or commercial industries. It can also lead to a long term career in higher education. If you are interested in a career in higher ed or non-profit, this is a very good move. Universities prefer to hire people with university experience so this job could help your resume down the line.

The various schools and even departments have their own cultures but overall I would characterize GU as very family friendly with a good work-life balance. You should discuss teleworking or flex scheduling with your potential department head but the practice is very common here.

The tuition benefits can apply to you and your dependents. Many people do not realize that tuition benefits are also given for schools outside of GU. The amount is a lower % but it is still a great benefit. The health benefits are good. You do pay for parking but much less than if you worked downtown. For the past few years, GU has given everyone the week between Christmas and New Year's off.

[Anonymous]

It is amazing or rather disturbing that workplace abuse/harassment is not treated seriously enough.