Pros
-Matrix hierarchy makes it easy to take on different roles in different projects -Overtime = flex time -Opportunities to take on greater responsibility -Easy to expand field of expertise -Good people -Can create a niche: some people are big on events, moderation, and facilitation; others on very hard scientific analysis. Room for lots of different researchers/consultants
Cons
-Qualifications mean little in German work culture, which makes you realize that no, you are indeed not special -Like most project-based work, deadlines (especially for proposals) can be brutal and dominate -Quality control on research occasionally misguided: sometimes too specific and nitpicky, sometimes nonexistent -Not sure that our impact is measured, assessed, or discussed regularly; it sometimes feels like we're spinning a hamster wheel to keep it spinning