Career Path Graphic: Audio Engineer by Fernando

High School: Developing Sound Skills

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

Whilst in High school, I need to experiment with basic audio editing software and learn about different types of sound equipment.

Age 16-18: Building a foundation

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

Whilst still in high school taking learning courses in physics, music theory, and computer technology/science will build up a strong foundation for sound design. These subjects will help me better understand the science of sound and the technology used in the field.

Graduate High School: Research programs

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

Once I have graduated high school it is time to better hone my beginner audio skills built up throughout high school and apply them to actually finding a career in the real world. I need to research colleges and universities that offer programs in sound design, audio engineering, or related fields. Additionally looking for schools with state-of-the-art recording studios and equipment to better practice audio design and technology.

TAKING ACTION to pursue higher programs/certifications

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

Potential programs in my area include CSUN, PIERCE, and LAVC. Specifically I need to look for courses offering a bachelor's degree program in sound design, audio engineering, or a related field. Furthermore, courses that cover acoustics, digital audio workstations (DAWs), sound synthesis, and audio post-production are also ones to look for as well. Overall the cost of tuition for these schools averages around 14 to 20,000 dollars. This excludes living costs as in the start of my audio path I will still be living at home with my parents; working and pursuing education at a local level. I hope to greatly reduce these costs with financial aid, scholarships and most importantly applying to Bridge to the Future; which pays off the tuition completely, aside from the books. Additionally, the GPA requirements admit to a 3.5 gpa or higher which is something I am aiming to exceed when I graduate.

During college: Gaining practical experience

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

Whilst pursuing these higher educational courses, it is also necessary I seek out internships or part-time jobs at recording studios, post-production houses, or live event venues. This hands-on experience will be invaluable for my potential future audio career.

Junior/Senior year: Specialize

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

Although I don't want to be limited to one specific way of working with audio, choosing a specialization within sound design, such as film sound, game audio, music production, or live sound reinforcement is important in honing my audio skills into an ACTUAL career.

Senior year: Build a portfolio

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

In a achieving a professional-level job in the audio space, creating a diverse portfolio showcasing my best work is important to display my skills and commitment to the audio world. I should include my projects hopefully built up from different genres and styles to demonstrate my potential versatility and skills.

Graduate: Network and job hunt

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

To make the process of specializing in a career I could attend industry conferences, join professional organizations like the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and network with established or aspiring sound designers. Also applying for entry-level positions in my specialization.

First job: Entry-level position

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

In beginning my audio career I will secure an entry-level position as a sound design assistant, junior audio engineer, or similar role. Building myself and working my way up my career will be tough so I need to be mentally prepared to work long hours and tackle various tasks to gain experience and prove my worth.

2-5 years experience: Advance my career

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:15 UTC

As I gain experience, I hope to further challenge myself and take on more creative responsibility and freedoms to work on bigger projects. I will continue learning new technologies and techniques to liven up my sound space and to keep pursuing this field with great interest and aspirations.

5+ years: Establishing worth.

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:37:16 UTC

Now, with several years of experience, I hope to now pursue senior sound designer positions or freelancing. Primarily within freelancing work, I hope to travel around the world to capture and create different sounds. As well as collaborating with different artists, ranging throughout North America all the way to Iceland and Europe.

Sources

folvera0010 — 2024-09-20 16:48:41 UTC

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-sound-designer

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-audio-engineer

Audio equipment

folvera0010 — 2024-10-04 16:59:51 UTC

If I want to get learn more about sound and even start to create some, I will need equipment. Most equipment nowadays is expensive but looking at starting equipment we are talking about DAWs, microphones, midi keyboards, and if more fancy, a synth keyboard panel. Cost of starting equipment will range me about 500 dollars. Keep in mind this is starting out and equipment wont all be bought up front but rather through time with savings. Gradually buying each component to practice and pursue the audio space.