2 answers
Mack
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What are the best ways to gain experience and land a job as a video editor?
I’m currently a freshmen in college and I’m little anxious about being able to land a job in this field after I graduate.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mack !
Taking the Major in college that will prepare you and provide experience to become a Video Editor will help you feel more confident about this path. The Majors that will help would be Film and Video Production, Digital Media, or Audiovisual Communication. Hopefully you are already in one of these Majors.
Taking your major in one of those will provide experience, knowledge, technical skill and making strong connections with fellow students, professors and staff at your Major Department. It will help you relate to the career better so you won't be as worried. You will also learn and know how to start your career, too.
You didn't mention your location, otherwise I could refer you to places in your city or town to look for volunteer work. You can volunteer at various video production companies to start learning what the professional world looks like and perhaps discover some new skills. You can look for volunteer work at major movie and television studios, music studios and recording companies, marketing and advertising agencies, and large corporations with in house marketing departments. You can eventually obtain employment in those places and also, video editors are hired at healthcare systems, universities, large foundations, non-profits, and companies with significant internal communication needs.
If you are in one of the Majors I have mentioned, ask your professor if you would be placed in an Internship during your Junior and Senior year as this is sometimes done for some majors. You will need to build up a resume by doing projects in your department for your courses, off campus projects and volunteer work and then later, an internship.
In your senior year, you might want to take some professional Certifications for your field of work. Some of these Certifications are Adobe Certified Professional Premiere Pro, Miracamp Adobe Premiere Pro Certificate, Noble Desktop Video Editing Certificate, Berklee Online: Video Production and Editing Certificate, LinkedIn Learning: After Effects CC – Become a Motion Graphics Designer, DaVinci Resolve Certification, and Apple Certified Pro – Final Cut Pro X. These vary in cost and focus, so read more about them online and decide which ones you could take now or if you need to take them a little later on. Professional Certification can sometimes enhance your chances for a job.
"Landing a job" is just a matter of sending your resumes, cover letters and demo reel of your work out and waiting to hear back for an interview. It is a selection process so no one can tell you how to be hired. Practice interviewing skills and learn your work as much as you can and you'll do fine.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Taking the Major in college that will prepare you and provide experience to become a Video Editor will help you feel more confident about this path. The Majors that will help would be Film and Video Production, Digital Media, or Audiovisual Communication. Hopefully you are already in one of these Majors.
Taking your major in one of those will provide experience, knowledge, technical skill and making strong connections with fellow students, professors and staff at your Major Department. It will help you relate to the career better so you won't be as worried. You will also learn and know how to start your career, too.
You didn't mention your location, otherwise I could refer you to places in your city or town to look for volunteer work. You can volunteer at various video production companies to start learning what the professional world looks like and perhaps discover some new skills. You can look for volunteer work at major movie and television studios, music studios and recording companies, marketing and advertising agencies, and large corporations with in house marketing departments. You can eventually obtain employment in those places and also, video editors are hired at healthcare systems, universities, large foundations, non-profits, and companies with significant internal communication needs.
If you are in one of the Majors I have mentioned, ask your professor if you would be placed in an Internship during your Junior and Senior year as this is sometimes done for some majors. You will need to build up a resume by doing projects in your department for your courses, off campus projects and volunteer work and then later, an internship.
In your senior year, you might want to take some professional Certifications for your field of work. Some of these Certifications are Adobe Certified Professional Premiere Pro, Miracamp Adobe Premiere Pro Certificate, Noble Desktop Video Editing Certificate, Berklee Online: Video Production and Editing Certificate, LinkedIn Learning: After Effects CC – Become a Motion Graphics Designer, DaVinci Resolve Certification, and Apple Certified Pro – Final Cut Pro X. These vary in cost and focus, so read more about them online and decide which ones you could take now or if you need to take them a little later on. Professional Certification can sometimes enhance your chances for a job.
"Landing a job" is just a matter of sending your resumes, cover letters and demo reel of your work out and waiting to hear back for an interview. It is a selection process so no one can tell you how to be hired. Practice interviewing skills and learn your work as much as you can and you'll do fine.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
94
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi Mack,
If you have some basic skills with editing platforms, you're already on the right track. Start making your own small movies and use your iPhone to film. Keep your stories simple and low-cost. Choose topics you enjoy and create "mini-docs" by interviewing experts and capturing extra footage. Share these stories on social media. If you like golf, interview golf pros at your local course and film them playing. If cars interest you, talk to auto mechanics and capture their stories and work. These are just a few examples of simple short films you can create and edit. If you prefer not to handle the camera, consider teaming up with others.
Besides editing your films, watch a lot of movies and observe different editing styles. Check out Oscar or Emmy-winning films for editing inspiration and learn from the best. Aim to become a successful editor.
Remember, networking is key in this industry, as work often comes from project to project. Be ready for slower periods, but stay focused on your goals and don't let anything stop you.
Best of luck!
If you have some basic skills with editing platforms, you're already on the right track. Start making your own small movies and use your iPhone to film. Keep your stories simple and low-cost. Choose topics you enjoy and create "mini-docs" by interviewing experts and capturing extra footage. Share these stories on social media. If you like golf, interview golf pros at your local course and film them playing. If cars interest you, talk to auto mechanics and capture their stories and work. These are just a few examples of simple short films you can create and edit. If you prefer not to handle the camera, consider teaming up with others.
Besides editing your films, watch a lot of movies and observe different editing styles. Check out Oscar or Emmy-winning films for editing inspiration and learn from the best. Aim to become a successful editor.
Remember, networking is key in this industry, as work often comes from project to project. Be ready for slower periods, but stay focused on your goals and don't let anything stop you.
Best of luck!