UC Berkeley Employee Reviews for Staff Research Assistant

"Good to gather experience, bad for pay or advancement."

What do you like about working at UC Berkeley?

"Very smart people there. Good place to push yourself/be pushed to gain experience and skills. Great view and hiking. Nice people to work for/with. Good benefits."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Work there with the idea of learning as much as you can, and then moving on (unless you really like it there). Do not bother with the unions -- they are probably just a racket (they did not do much for me, but it was educational to see how they operate). If you stay a while, demand good pay, or look elsewhere."

What don't you like about working at UC Berkeley?

"Pay is not competitive. Promotions are NOT forthcoming. They will take advantage of you there (think about it -- ambitious scientists must make the most of their grants). Pay steps are inadequate. You must *reclassify* in order to realize better pay."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Become more merit driven. Offer bigger pay steps."