Lawrence Berkeley Lab reviews

People's experiences here largely depend on which research group they join, so make sure you join a good one.

Campus is way overcrowded to the point the beautiful campus is hardly tolerable. Parking is dangerously packed and difficult. You can easily get in an accident so avoid driving on-site and parking. Cubicles are abysmally small - coffin sized. I’ve never seen desk spaces this small anywhere. Since it’s cheaper to hire non degreed “engineering associates”, engineers have zero job security here. High school diploma holders get most jobs and can keep them. Meanwhile, if you have a degree, you are temporary or contract and they likely won’t keep you. Pay is stagnant. Culture is toxic. Engineering is operated like a cheap, contracting company, hence using non-engineers for engineering work. It’s sad what’s happened to this institution, but American research has long been on the decline so it’s no surprise. Go into industry - this place will stall your career and skillset. Don’t waste time you could be spending growing your knowledge and skills.