As the music industry becomes more entwined with technology, it is easy to see how some might think the field of video and audio engineering will screech to a halt.  I mean, think about it… Why would anyone spend thousands of dollars recording in a professional studio with high tech, expensive gear, when quality recordings can be produced easily using a computer at home?  The truth is there is only so much a novice “audio engineer” on a tight budget can do from home, especially with no training.  After all, software is great and gear is cool, but if you do not know how to properly use it, a poor outcome is almost guaranteed.

8 Tips for Being in Demand After Graduation from an Audio-Video Production School

If someone wants to produce a great piece of audio work, they will eventually have to rely on an audio engineer for help.  That being said, let’s take a look some of the top things you can do upon graduating from the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts to become a highly sought after video or audio engineer.

1. Specialize

Creating a niche for yourself will make you stand out amongst the other audio engineers in the industry.  Find the one facet of audio engineering that you are the most passionate about and become an expert at it.  This will create a high demand for your skill set and bring clients to you who require the special service you provide.

2. Understand How Music Sounds

It’s not enough to love music.  The key is understanding how sound travels within a room and how to manage distractions, reflections, and other acoustical issues that can affect overall sound quality.  This is the way to record great music and how you will make a name for yourself as an in-demand video or audio engineer.

3. Know Your Microphones

Recording great audio starts with the microphone.  You must be able to go into any studio and have a working knowledge of the available microphones before your client begins recording.  Being able to select the correct microphone, or adapt when the one you need is not available, is an invaluable skill to have.

4. Learn How To Edit

Unless your passion is audio editing, chances are you find the process of editing tedious.  However, being able to apply editing skills to a job you are on will make your value as an audio engineer skyrocket.  Remember, if you think it’s boring, so do others.  Performing the job no one else wants to makes you the better choice when it comes to hiring.

5. Network

Getting to know people in the music industry will help you build a solid career as a video or audio engineer.  Learn from those that have made mistakes in the past and have overcome them, introduce yourself to people in the industry to open doors for yourself, and pay it forward to those behind you who wish to be successful.  All of these things will help create a good reputation for you in the long run.

6. Know Your Genres

Every audio engineer in the music industry undoubtedly has a preferred music genre.  However, if you do not have a thorough understanding of the many types of music out there, you may miss the mark with a potential client’s final sound.  Forcing a sound on a client because you like it better, or not grasping the sound a client is looking for can have dire consequences. On the other hand, by keeping an open mind to all music types, you will be able to adapt to any kind of client that needs your expertise.

7. Be Able to Work With Vocalists

There is a high probability you will have to work with a vocalist at one point or another in your video or audio engineering career.  Taking the time to become comfortable working with a live voice will garner you respect and create many career opportunities for you.

8. Get Your Hands Dirty

There is nothing better for becoming an in-demand video or audio engineer than plain old hands-on training.  Being in-studio with experts will give you the experience needed to be competitive in the music industry.  You can learn from others’ mistakes, develop the skills that will set you apart from others, and expose your weaknesses and strengths. Becoming an in-demand video or audio engineer straight out of school is tough, but doable.  Every decision regarding recording, editing, processing, and mixing can have a profound effect on a final production and it is up to the audio engineer to secure that success for a client.  Keep these tips in mind when moving forward in your career after graduation and strive to be the best.  That’s how you will ultimately succeed.