University of Pittsburgh Research Assistant salaries in India

Likes

Very few things, actually. I can rescue that there are a ton of services for the students. It feels like they try but the system is a bit clumsy. In the end, it helps you to learn that the whole process is really all in your hands.

Dislikes

Culture is really bad. It revolves around money and power. Students and researchers get the shorter end of the stick most of the time; mediocre classes from professors too focused on their funding/proposals, and an exploitative culture of research that overworks everyone with zero guarantees of moving forward/graduating, and knowing that there will be no promotions for many years is absolutely disheartening. Only those who really dream of becoming doctors/Ph.D.s can really survive this torture. The University offers mental health resources and support, but the process was so focused on the academic/research part, that I felt like a rat lab instead of a patient. Had to find professional help outside the institution. I know not everyone has this experience, but it does happen, and it's not as rare as it should be. They all seem to have normalized the toxicity of the entire process. A complete shame.

Likes

University is very nice but I had an very bad PI who doesn't know anything. He shows lot of arrogance, attitude and he has lot of ego problems.

Dislikes

I had an very bad PI, who doesn't know anything but expects everything in superfast. I am working 10-12 h/day but not able to meet his unrealistic goals. He intentionally gives a impossible tasks and expect to do in a couple of days without any support from him/his group. There are no friendly people, all the lab mates intentionally make you corner because of our race or color that can't explain in words unless if you felt. Overall, I had a better experience with my PI, and the rest is the place, University is very nice.