University of California Berkeley Employer Reviews

Student and researcher in department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

My first lab experience was great. They taught me a lot about the lab environment and even explained the theories behind the lab techniques.

Nice multicultural work environment, really competitive, excellent benefits although it is difficult to have work life balance -especially if you have a demanding professor as a supervisor-. Excellent research projects but as usually in Academia you can also find projects with a dead end.

A fast paced environment that has opportunities for growth.

U.C Berkeley is a great place to work. There is great camaraderie among the staff and students. It is a beautiful campus that is well maintained.

Standard university job with OK compensation. The fees is waived for Student workers so what is a big plus.

Working for Cal is an amazing experience, with the high level of academics, athletics, and an innovative workplace it's a wonderful employer. The campus is beautiful and the people are incredibly nice.

As a graduate student researcher (GSR), I felt the department provided a fair environment for research---even after all the budget cuts, we still have a decent student machine shop and we get other support for research (placing orders for parts, etc.).

Pay is nothing to write home about, but that's par for the course as far as being a GSR goes.

As an academic tutor for the Athletics Study Center, I mainly tutor athletes in various subjects; the subjects I tutor in are Economics, Sociology, and Statistics. Working with the football, swimming, gymnastics, and basketball team, I have developed a strong appreciation for athletes and sports overall. I admire these athletes greatly because of their – more... ability to not only do well in sports, but also academically. Although they may not be getting A’s in all their course work, it is very evident that they are trying to succeed in school. It is important for them to understand that an educational degree from a world famous university will only be beneficial for their future. Teaching these students have also taught me that hard work and determination are the key qualities that are needed to succeed in life. Overtime, I have been able to develop great social and communication skills. Working with these athletes has helped me build confidence because it takes an optimistic, friendly, and outgoing attitude to break through to these athletes. At first, my students are very hesitant to ask me for help or confide in me, but as time passes, they being to see me not only as their tutor, but also as their friend; that is one of them benefits of this job. Of course, helping them get good grades is also a great outcome – less

Offering a full range of education as well as a wealth of academic resources

Can't teach an old dog new tricks. This is how I feel working here. Politics and seniority get in the way of true innovative business practices here.

My typical day involves the maintenance and renovation of existing spaces at UC Berkeley. The most enjoyable part of the position involves seeing improved spaces being used to their full potential.

Good people work here and they work hard but the managment does not recognize nor do they care as long as it gets done. the dont care about their staff.

I enjoy working for the Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science. This position allows me an opportunity to meet scientists from all over the world. I am one of the central connections for them here at the Miller Institute as I handle all of their purchases, tech questions, or even let them know about the local Berkeley restaurants. Working directly – more... with the Miller Institute Scientists to help them organize talks at our weekly Tuesday Miller Luncheons is one of the enjoyable parts of my position. In doing so, it opens my mind to so many very interesting scientific topics. A few of the Scientists have won Nobel Prizes in various fields. Since many of the Miller Scientists are here completing research via their Fellowship, they are only on our campus for 3 years. Saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of this position; however, I am thankful I was given the opportunity to work with them and learn from many of the greatest Scientific minds in the world. – less

A typical work day consisted of receiving a truck of UC San Francisco surplus materials. I oversaw the timely processing of materials using an on-line automated tracking system to track surplus materials received using sku numbers.
I learned to evaluate surplus materials slated for metal recycling, E-Waste or disposal. I was fortunate to have co-workers – more... who were supportive and believed in the all hands on deck philosophy. Co-workers functioned as a family unit.
The hardest part of the job was the space challenges we encountered weekly due to the hight volume of material shipments we received. The most enjoyable part of the job, was the ability to work independently and to have the opportunity to use your creativity. I was able to work without being micro managed. – less

One of the problems that everybody has to solve is the teamwork. In this regard, I had the opportunity to work with committed and fun people.

I have the great honor to instruct students who come from all over the world because of the brand recognition of the University.

It can be fun to teach students at office hours and in the laboratory, but the strict enforcement of a grading rubric leaves little room for growth of the students beyond the rubric. Management seems to have the opinion that a lot of the students are obnoxious and complainers, which although that may be true, it doesn't help an instructor deal with – more... the students in a positive manner. Co-workers are generally friendly and uncompetitive within the teaching realm, however, when it comes to research, you should watch your back. The most enjoyable part of the job is when I would get to write on the board and explain chemistry, I love that part. – less

The International house - I-House is a beautiful building sitting on top of Durant over-seeing part of the UC campus and City. The international students from all over the world are housed in this beautiful housing facility which was the main mission of the developer. International House began in New York.

Having worked in the food service dept. for – more... only a few months gave me an in-sight of a terribly operated department.

The only reason that this dept. has not been closed due to health issues is that they do not get inspected by a government agency but by UC.

They have no concept of food safety practices such as serving hot and cold food at 140 or 40 degrees; still use outdated practices such the use of bleach to sanitize; do not wash hands; do not properly prepare meats and poultry; proper storage; serving outdated products; no FIFO (first in-first out).

Sadly this beautiful place and great students have to continue to operate under poor management and little skills; knowledge and
a desire to improve and update the system.

Waste of time and energy to work here - no vision. – less

I learned how to balance the office, telephones, and file system effectively.

Great organization to work for. Staff are friendly and work is rewarding.