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How Do I Become an Audio Visual Engineer?

YaShekia King
YaShekia King

Audio visual engineers are individuals who run equipment used to enhance the quality of sound and video in music and film. These people need to enjoy working with technology and have solid interpersonal skills for working with music artists or movie producers so that they meet these clients’ needs. If you wish to become an audio visual engineer, you should complete four years of college as well as acquire internship experience. You also can consider becoming certified to make yourself more attractive to potential employers.

A person who wishes to become an audio visual engineer needs to complete a bachelor’s degree in audio and visual engineering, which typically requires four years of study. Getting into this type of degree program involves submitting your high school diploma or the equivalent certification along with your high school transcript to your chosen school. You also have to turn in your most recent standardized test scores and fill out the university’s enrollment application.

Man with hands on his hips
Man with hands on his hips

Sound and video courses provide you with the foundational skills needed to thrive in this career field. For example, you should study how to use industry equipment specifically designed to manipulate sound and visual images for television, movies, or even radio broadcasts. This will be your chief duty when you become an audio visual engineer. You also need to build your oral communication skills while in the classroom because you will likely have to train other visual engineers and technicians while on the job.

You also should complete an internship to claim hands-on experience in this industry. Your school’s career services department might be able to direct you to companies that are willing to work with someone who seeks to become an audio visual engineer. Sites at which you can intern include commercial recording studios, movie companies, and television stations. While working as an intern, you need to sharpen your skills with using tools such as microphones and soundboards — equipment used to control a person’s or musical instrument’s volume.

Obtaining certification in this field makes you more competitive during your employment search as well. Industry societies offer certification to people who pass examinations on areas such as operating practices and safety in the audio and visual engineering field. You must additionally be prepared to complete continuing education requirements to maintain this credential. Being certified as you strive to become an audio visual engineer is helpful because it proves to companies that you are competent in this line of work.

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