Pros
Ok so you've read the other reviews and I guess you have some questions. No employer is perfect and Tech Open Air is not an exception to this rule BUT what the other reviews don't tell you is: You will go through a journey like no other with very like minded people to yourself if you're lucky enough to get the job. You will make friendships that, some, will likely last a lifetime. (I hope mine do) You have the opportunity to grow your professional network and work closely with entrepreneurial minds and see just how normal and crazy they really are (yes they are both at the same time) Yes you will work your butt off and yes not for the best money in the world but being broke in Berlin for 6 months while you're working towards this BIG event, and so closely with passionate people IS FUN! And nothing is more rewarding that at the end when you can finally relax. Working for TOA was the best job I've ever had and it lead me to a new and very exciting opportunity afterwards.
Cons
Ok. Now down to the nitty gritty parts. Lets start with the money - it's not the best. I'll give you a tip - don't accept anything lower than minimum wage (I wish I didnt have to actually write that). Management was a mixture of over management/ no management/ and the wrong management but things are stepping in 2017 as they have hired some great people to add to the mix. Some staff in particular may not get all the attention they feel they deserve (see previous reviews) - this is because some departments make money and some don't and when money takes a priority that can leave a lot of other people feeling left behind. The office dog is 100% racist but if you're white she is lovely. (It's ok, she's rarely actually in the office). (This is a joke so please dont not apply in fear of Emmy!) I would still 100% recommend TOA though, especially if you are new to the city. Out of 56 full timers we probably had half as many nationalities. And by the end of TOA we probably had twice as many crazy stories. Treat TOA as a short term gig - afterwards everyone goes on to very good companies with most likely great recommendations and if you get asked to stay you have a choice to or not. But don't count on it. TOA is a game of Snakes and Ladders, it has it ups and downs like any other company but at the end of the day its far more fun than working for a company that doesn't have this huge event coming up over the horizon. Do it.