Video engineering Course

[Tom Matthies]

Check out any technical schools in your area. Look for a few basic electronics courses first and get some of the basics under your belt. It might also pay to look at a few IT courses as well. Another place to check for some basic info is the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) website (www.sbe.org). They have a variety of areas you can study and gain certification. The SBE has more or less taken over the duties that the FCC used to have as far as certifing broadcast engineering personal. See if you can arrange to “hang around” a local shop or TV station for some hands on experience, kind of like the old apprentice concept.
Some years ago I was working at a television station in Kansas City and in order to earn a higher pay scale (read: get a promotion), it was necessary to obtain an FCC First Class license. I set out to do it. The first thing I did was to just go and take the test to see what it was like. I failed miserably, but I knew what I was expected to know after that. I bought a number of books and studied day and night to learn the basics. I also spent a lot of time picking the brains of the other engineers at the station. They were very patient and helpful. Most people will be. I’ve always had a bit of talent in understanding the way that things work, so it all started to make sense. I retook the test and, this time, passed easily. Although “easily” ment sitting thru a four hour exam with an unforgiving government proctor.
Since then, I’ve managed to get several SBE certifications and I’m currently working at a production facility as an editor/shooter/producer/engineer. I can pretty well fill in in any position when necessary. It’s a full plate but it’s a fun job. I also have a home production business with two full FCP setups.
Get all the training you can, especially if your company is willing to pick up some or all of the costs. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it in the end. I’m an old dog, pushing 50 that learned it all the hard way (in the business since 1974!). Take advantage of your situation, commit to the learning and you’ll never regret it. And you’ll actually get paid to do something you like to do anyhow. Can’t beat that deal.
Tom

[Joshua Booth]

Thanks for the info. I already have a Certified Television Operator designation from the SBE, It was part of a college course. I will definetely check into furthering that. If anyone else has any other ideas I would greatly appreciate them. Thanks.

Joshua Booth
Editor
iQ Digital
121 S. Main St
Akron, OH 44308
330-374-6799 ext. 247
https://www.iq-digital.com
Josh.Booth@iq-digital.com