5 answers
Aiden
Student
1
Question
Asked
780 views
What fields of education would be the most beneficial for a video editing/video special effects career?
What fields of education would be the most beneficial for a video editing/video special effects career?
5 answers
John Sklba
Content Creator Creature
6
Answers
Arlington, Tennessee
Updated
John’s Answer
Honestly, none. You can learn practically everything possible online about filmmaking. Use that to get a job on a set, and keep the ball rolling for yourself. A formal education is rather unnecessary in the modern environment of filmmaking. Your phone probably shoots video. Go make some documentary work about things in your life. Win some awards, get famous, and then thank me in the acceptance speech for saving you thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
If you absolutely must go, your local college probably has a broadcast curriculum. Go there. Learn as much as you can. Full Sail and AFI are nice but awfully expensive, with no guarantees from them. I know people who have been to both schools. Some are doing well, others, not so much. Your education will be top-notch at any of these luxury colleges until the next round of new tech pops up and what you know becomes outdated again. The basics will never change though, so go learn them for a song locally. If you can make great content for no money, it helps open the doors to the money, in theory.
If you absolutely must go, your local college probably has a broadcast curriculum. Go there. Learn as much as you can. Full Sail and AFI are nice but awfully expensive, with no guarantees from them. I know people who have been to both schools. Some are doing well, others, not so much. Your education will be top-notch at any of these luxury colleges until the next round of new tech pops up and what you know becomes outdated again. The basics will never change though, so go learn them for a song locally. If you can make great content for no money, it helps open the doors to the money, in theory.
Gladys Wong
UX Design
16
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Gladys’s Answer
Hi Aiden,
If you're interested in a career in video editing or visual effects (VFX), you're entering a field that blends creativity with technology. While there isn't one "perfect" degree, there are several educational paths that can help you build the skills employers are looking for.
Programs in film, digital media, animation, visual effects, graphic design, or multimedia production can all provide a strong foundation. Just as important is learning industry-standard software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, or Autodesk Maya, since hands-on experience with these tools is highly valued.
I'd also encourage you to build a portfolio as early as possible. Edit videos for school projects, create your own short films, volunteer to help local organizations, or collaborate with friends who make content. In creative careers, your portfolio often speaks louder than your résumé.
Finally, don't underestimate the value of networking. Join online creative communities, connect with other editors and artists, and seek internships or freelance opportunities whenever you can. Every project you complete helps you improve your skills and demonstrates your abilities to future employers.
Keep creating, keep learning, and don't be afraid to experiment. The more you practice, the more you'll develop your own style and open doors to exciting opportunities in the industry. Best of luck on your creative journey!
If you're interested in a career in video editing or visual effects (VFX), you're entering a field that blends creativity with technology. While there isn't one "perfect" degree, there are several educational paths that can help you build the skills employers are looking for.
Programs in film, digital media, animation, visual effects, graphic design, or multimedia production can all provide a strong foundation. Just as important is learning industry-standard software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, or Autodesk Maya, since hands-on experience with these tools is highly valued.
I'd also encourage you to build a portfolio as early as possible. Edit videos for school projects, create your own short films, volunteer to help local organizations, or collaborate with friends who make content. In creative careers, your portfolio often speaks louder than your résumé.
Finally, don't underestimate the value of networking. Join online creative communities, connect with other editors and artists, and seek internships or freelance opportunities whenever you can. Every project you complete helps you improve your skills and demonstrates your abilities to future employers.
Keep creating, keep learning, and don't be afraid to experiment. The more you practice, the more you'll develop your own style and open doors to exciting opportunities in the industry. Best of luck on your creative journey!
Jessica Burke
Training Specialist
7
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Being in the Professional Training field, I work with a lot of folks who develop educational video content- the jobs in this particular field are typically called Curriculum Developers, UX Designers, (Video) Content Designers, Learning Designers, etc. The field is increasingly moving towards a digital first training strategy so designers with video development experience is incredibly helpful! Having been a curriculum developer in the past, I know they come from varied backgrounds, most only require a college degree and experience in the various development tools (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative suite, etc.) Having a background in education/former teachers was common, but not the only path. I also see a lot of folks starting in a general IT/developer role, and specializing in video/content design.
Check out UX Designer roles to see what the typical education requirements are.
Become familiar with some industry standard tools like Adobe Creative suite.
Jessica recommends the following next steps:
Michelle Tan
product manager
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi,
I transitioned into a career in educational product management after working for a few years in media development and production, and I've noticed video editing becoming an increasingly sought after skill in a wide range of educational organizations that want to increase their social presence or expand into online content delivery models! Lots of educational companies, universities, and schools will have rolling contractor positions for content creation that would be great for getting your foot through the door and feeling out different paths in the industry. Permanent roles in production are rarer but certainly around as well! Professional learning and higher ed is a space worth looking into for that.
If you want to expand your work beyond video, I would also recommend looking into UX and multi-modular learning design. This could be a great way to transition into an ed-tech path . If you enjoy the more technical aspects of production, you might find this fulfilling as well!
I transitioned into a career in educational product management after working for a few years in media development and production, and I've noticed video editing becoming an increasingly sought after skill in a wide range of educational organizations that want to increase their social presence or expand into online content delivery models! Lots of educational companies, universities, and schools will have rolling contractor positions for content creation that would be great for getting your foot through the door and feeling out different paths in the industry. Permanent roles in production are rarer but certainly around as well! Professional learning and higher ed is a space worth looking into for that.
If you want to expand your work beyond video, I would also recommend looking into UX and multi-modular learning design. This could be a great way to transition into an ed-tech path . If you enjoy the more technical aspects of production, you might find this fulfilling as well!
Annemarie Leonard
Project Management
2
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Annemarie’s Answer
HI,
I work in an Education Technology company and we deliver content to students all over America.
We create video content, which involves editing and special effects. We would also have editing on virtual video content.
We also use vendor companies who use these skills.
A suggestion would be to look for sites that use video content, and see if you can make connections with someone in that company.
there are a lot of avenues, but ed tech companies or Video production houses who make other educational content would be a good place to research.
I work in an Education Technology company and we deliver content to students all over America.
We create video content, which involves editing and special effects. We would also have editing on virtual video content.
We also use vendor companies who use these skills.
A suggestion would be to look for sites that use video content, and see if you can make connections with someone in that company.
there are a lot of avenues, but ed tech companies or Video production houses who make other educational content would be a good place to research.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment