Good place for marginal people - Staff Assistant Penn State Employee Review

1.0
6 Nov 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The benefit package used to be above market but has slowly lost it's luster. It is almost impossible to be fired.

Cons

Salary increases based on factors unrelated to performance, such as personal relationships with supervisors. University policies are not followed by upper management and violating eithics and forcing employees to break the rules or be labeled as a trouble-maker when you speak up about violations. Job classifications are based on what pay is available in the budget, not what the employee actually does. Too often supervisors push their work off subordinates. Definately a place where poorly functioning employees are promoted to levels where they do not perform well; no capability to do the job or interest in self-improvement. The HR office's professional development courses do match their descriptions and are a waste of time and money for departments. Unfortunately your performance review is also based on how many of these wasteful courses an employee takes each year.

Explore other reviews about Penn State

5.0
10 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I enjoyed working at outpost, it felt a lot more relaxed not including the rush and I could joke around with staff.

Cons

Stacks felt like alot more pressure that I had to get everything right and that I was always being watched.

4.0
9 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Meaningful mission supporting community education and outreach programs. Gained valuable administrative and clerical experience, including scheduling, data entry, records management, and event coordination. Developed strong customer service and communication skills by assisting educators and community members. Worked for a well-respected public institution, which looks good on a resume. Opportunity to support nutrition education and public health initiatives, contributing to positive community outcomes.

Cons

Pay was very low compared to the responsibilities and cost of living. Limited opportunities for career advancement without changing positions or departments. Administrative work could become repetitive at times. Salary growth and raises were relatively modest.

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