Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. Founded in 1976, it sells tickets for concert, sports, and theater events on behalf of event organizers worldwide. Ticketmaster employs over 7,000 people globally across 27 countries. It sells over 485 million tickets per year through its websites, mobile apps, and retail outlets.
Working for Ticketmaster offers opportunities to be part of a fast-paced and dynamic live entertainment industry. Employees get exposure to high-profile music and sporting events. They also gain experience in sales, marketing, technology, and operations.
In this article, we will look at key aspects of working for Ticketmaster:
Company Culture and Values
Ticketmaster aims to build a culture of innovation and excellence. Some of its core values are:
– Consumer Focus – Keeping customers at the heart of the business
– Results – Driving accountable outcomes
– Integrity – Working ethically and transparently
– Continuous Improvement – Getting better every day
The work environment is fast-paced, performance-driven, and goal-oriented. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of projects. There is a focus on collaboration and open communication across teams and levels.
The organizational structure is relatively flat, with accessible leadership. Managers tend to be hands-on and involved. There are opportunities for learning, development, and career growth.
Overall, the culture emphasizes consumer-centricity, transparency, innovation, personal accountability, and community.
Departments and Teams
Given its scope of operations, Ticketmaster has various departments and teams:
– **Sales and Service** – This includes sales representatives who acquire and maintain promoter and venue partnerships. Customer service staff provide support across all channels.
– **Product and Technology** – Engineers, developers, and product managers who build and maintain Ticketmaster’s industry-leading software, apps, API, analytics, and security systems.
– **Marketing** – Executes integrated marketing campaigns across channels. Focuses on brand-building, consumer insights, and campaign measurement.
– **Business Operations** – Handles areas like finance, strategy, administration, legal, human resources, and corporate development.
– **Commerce** – Manages Ticketmaster’s primary e-commerce sites and apps along with their products, content, and consumer experience.
– **Resale** – Runs Ticketmaster’s ticket resale marketplace that lets fans safely buy or resell tickets.
– **Live Analytics** – Provides data and insights to event organizers to improve event operations and experiences.
Work Culture and Environment
The work environment at Ticketmaster is described as dynamic, fast-paced, and performance-driven. Given the nature of the business, things move rapidly and priorities can shift quickly. Employees need to be comfortable with change and ambiguity.
There is an emphasis on collaboration both within and across departments. People interact closely within their immediate teams but also get opportunities to work cross-functionally.
While the hours can be long during busy periods, employees note there is flexibility when needed. The ability to prioritize and multi-task is valued. With its casual dress code, the work environment is relatively informal.
Overall, Ticketmaster looks for proactive self-starters who thrive under pressure. People who enjoy seeing the results of their work at high-profile events tend to excel here.
Learning and Development
Ticketmaster places importance on learning and development opportunities for employees:
– **Formal Training** – Classroom and online training programs to build job skills. Popular courses cover areas like leadership, communication, and customer service.
– **Mentorship Programs** – New hires are paired with experienced employees for guidance and knowledge sharing.
– **Tickets University** – Internal online training portal containing over 4,000 courses and resources.
– **Conferences** – Employees are encouraged to attend industry conferences and events.
– **Tuition Reimbursement** – Up to $5,250 a year offered for approved external education.
– **Certifications** – Certification training provided in areas like Agile and Six Sigma.
– **Stretch Opportunities** – Chance to take on new roles and projects for development.
This focus on learning helps employees stay updated on industry trends and new technologies. It also grooms in-house talent for leadership roles.
Benefits and Perks
Ticketmaster offers competitive pay and a well-rounded benefits package:
– **Health Insurance** – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accident coverage. Domestic partners also covered.
– **Retirement Plans** – 401(k) plan with 50% company match on contributions up to IRS limit.
– **Stock Purchase Plan** – Opportunity to purchase company stock at a 15% discount through payroll deductions.
– **Vacation Time** – 2-4 weeks of vacation depending on tenure, plus sick days and holidays.
– **Parental Leave** – 10 weeks paid leave for new mothers, 2 weeks for secondary caregivers.
– **Wellness Program** – Onsite fitness classes, access to mobile wellness apps, monthly wellness challenges.
– **Employee Assistance** – Free counseling and referral services for employees and family.
– **Commuter Benefits** – Pre-tax transit and parking benefits.
– **Tuition Reimbursement** – Up to $5,250 a year for continuing education.
– **Tickets** – Access to employee ticket allotment and pre-sales for select events.
– **Discounts** – Discounted tickets on entertainment, travel, cell phone plans, and other services.
– **Work Spaces** – Modern offices with sit-stand desks, collaborative spaces, and leisure areas.
These benefits help enhance work-life balance and provide financial protection for employees. The wellness initiatives also promote healthy lifestyles.
Career Growth and Development
Ticketmaster offers several avenues for career development:
– **Defined Career Paths** – Clear outlines of career progression within each department.
– **Open Positions** – Internal job board lists open opportunities across the company.
– **Promotions** – Priority given to internal candidates when filling open management roles.
– **Training Programs** – Targeted programs for high-potential employees to take on more responsibility.
– **International Transfers** – Option to work on overseas assignments at one of Ticketmaster’s global offices.
– **Tuition Reimbursement** – Up to $5,250 a year for continuing education to advance skills.
– **Certifications** – Support for gaining professional certifications relevant to roles.
– **Leadership Training** – Workshops focused on developing management and leadership skills.
– **Mentorship** – Chance to learn from experienced managers informally.
Employees have access to both technical and leadership training. Stretch project assignments also expand experience. Annual performance reviews and regular feedback sessions provide visibility for career progression. Overall, motivated employees can see their careers progress quickly within the organization.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ticketmaster emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization:
– **Recruitment** – Focus on sourcing diverse slates of candidates for open roles. Preference for teams with diversity of thought and background.
– **Employee Resource Groups** – 11 affinity networks that provide support, mentorship, networking, and community outreach. Groups include Pride, Women at Ticketmaster, Black Engagement and Development, and more.
– **Diversity Partnerships** – Partnerships with organizations like Reaching Out MBA, Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, and AfroTech to attract candidates from underrepresented groups.
– **Education and Training** – Regular unconscious bias and diversity awareness training for all employees. Dedicated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program team.
– **Workplace Accommodations** – Processes to provide accommodations needed by employees related to disabilities, religious practices, or other needs.
– **Measuring and Reporting** – Annual diversity reports analyzing employee demographics and representation. Accountability for improving diversity metrics.
While there is still room for improvement, Ticketmaster is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. Diversity and representation continue to be areas of focus.
Work-Life Balance
Ticketmaster aims to promote work-life balance for employees through various programs and policies:
– **Flex Hours** – Flexible start and end times within limits for many roles. Ability to shift hours as needed.
– **Remote Work** – Many roles offer 1-2 days remote work per week. Increased remote work during COVID-19 pandemic.
– **Paid Time Off** – Generous vacation time, sick time, and holidays. Sabbatical program offers 4-8 weeks off after 7 years of service.
– **Parental Leave** – 10 weeks paid leave for mothers. 2 weeks paid leave for fathers/domestic partners. Option to extend with unpaid leave.
– **Employee Assistance** – Free counseling and referral services for personal, family, and work-life issues.
– **Health and Wellness** – Wellness benefits, monthly challenges, fitness centers, free health screenings.
– **Commuter Benefits** – Pre-tax benefits for parking and public transportation.
– **Discounts** – Discounted tickets and perks on entertainment, travel, and other services.
– **HR Support** – Human Resources team assists with any work-life balance questions and needs.
While there are busy periods, supervisors generally aim to accommodate schedule requests. The ability to periodically work from home also promotes work-life blending. Overall, Ticketmaster strives to provide an environment where employees can maintain health and balance.
Challenges
Working for Ticketmaster also comes with some challenges:
– **Long Hours** – Peak sales periods leading up to major events involve late nights and weekends. Work-life balance can suffer without proper boundaries.
– **Stress** – The pace and high stakes of the business lead to pressure and tight deadlines. Stress management is important.
– **Consumer Backlash** – As the face of ticketing, Ticketmaster receives blame for high fees and difficult buying experiences. This can affect morale.
– **Manual Processes** – Some workflows are still manual and legacy systems remain. This can hinder productivity.
– **Distributed Teams** – Offices and clients located worldwide make collaboration across time zones essential.
– **Change Management** – New tools and processes are introduced frequently. Adapting to change is constant.
Employees have to be comfortable working under pressure and taking on new challenges. Having resources like employee assistance helps mitigate the stress.
Overall Insights
Here are some key takeaways on the experience of working for Ticketmaster:
– Fast-paced, high-energy work environment focused on live events.
– Collaborative culture with emphasis on consumer focus, innovation, results, and community.
– Opportunity to gain experience across diverse lines of business.
– Significant upside through career development programs.
– Well-rounded benefits package including perks unique to live entertainment.
– Need to manage work-life balance during peak sales cycles.
– Culture of transparency, accountability, and competitiveness.
Working for Ticketmaster offers unique access to the live entertainment industry. Employees gain valuable skills in a company focused on innovation and results. Those who enjoy thriving under pressure tend to find it a satisfying career experience.
Conclusion
Working at Ticketmaster means being part of a major player in live entertainment. While the work is fast-paced and demanding, it also comes with opportunities for growth, development, and rewards. Employees gain wide exposure to the events industry and work on innovative products.
The culture emphasizes performance, consumer-centricity, and community. Benefits are competitive, and there are unique perks like event access and tickets. Individuals who enjoy collaboration, challenges, ambiguity, and change tend to thrive most. Strong performers can see their careers skyrocket within the organization.
Overall, Ticketmaster provides a dynamic work environment for those passionate about live entertainment. Employees gain transferable skills while contributing to experiences that bring joy and connection to millions globally.