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How do broadcast engineers/technicians advance to higher positions in their careers?

Hi! I am a senior who will be graduating in May and am super passionate about electronic media with a sports concentration, which is what I am hoping to earn a degree in at Texas State University. I have 3 years of experience working as a broadcast technician at my local stadium, and I hope to continue it during college. I always wondered how technicians "move" up in positions? Is there a certain process you have to go through to run each piece of equipment (switcher, replay, etc) at certain companies? Or does everyone sort of switch around based on the mood? I recently started wondering about this because I really do love sports broadcasting and being able to successfully run a broadcast production, but later on in life, I want to hopefully use those skills to become a film director, and I wonder how I can put those skills to use!

spring26 broadcast-media digital-media sports-broadcasting broadcast espn txst mass-communications sportsconcentration
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John C’s Answer

Hi Genesis!

If you can, find a local broadcast union and join it. With your skills, you should have no problem getting in.

Try to work with a senior technician and ask lots of questions. As you learn, take on more tasks to help them. Gather as much knowledge as you can. This way, you'll be ready when new chances come up, and you can show your skills anywhere.

Remember, each system is a bit different, like languages. For example, video switchers work basically the same way. You just need to "translate" each one's setup and operation.

Also, keep meeting new people and building your network. Your reputation is important, so always show some hustle.

Hope this helps!
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Jesse’s Answer

First, I love the passion you have for your career choice. My advice is focus in the area that you love the most! Meaning, you can see yourself doing that for the rest of your life. Now, answering your question. Most positions in the entertainment Industry are scaled by experience and networking. For example, you are a talented Camera Operator, and you work for a local baseball Video Production team every season. The years add up and you become better at it. Also, during that time, your colleagues recognize your work and some of those colleagues do work on the side and that leads to opportunities to work with them as a Camera Operator outside of baseball. this is where your value pays off! working with people that have established a great work relationship leads to $$$ big bucks. High paying gigs leads to a good financial life! Now, to take care of that financial life, joining a labor UNION such as IATSE, helps to bring in constant work and establishes security in your future. The entertainment Industry is a world of creative talent and there is no top tier level, only being the highest paid Camera Operator in the area or industry.
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