How do I Become an Audio Visual Technician?

An audio visual (AV) technician is in charge of all of the electronic tools that make use of dynamic sights and sounds. If you want to become an audio visual technician, you need to be an expert in dealing with technology such as teleconferencing, phone systems, television systems, projectors and more. This job makes business come to life during meetings and will help your company's success. This job also requires a great deal of learning and apprenticeship in order to be successful.

A classroom education usually is not necessary if you want to become an audio visual technician, but an associate's or bachelor's degree in a technological field definitely can help. Audio visual services often are not covered in school courses, so you might need to gain expertise through experience. Volunteering to be part of the school AV club is a good start, but apprenticing with more experienced audio visual technicians is the best way to learn. Starting as an assistant AV tech and learning the intricacies of the job is a crucial step.

As you learn, there are many duties you must master in order to become an audio visual technician yourself. You must understand how visual tools such as projectors and televisions work and are set up. In addition, you must learn how phone systems operate, how they are linked throughout the office and how to perform simple repairs. The most exciting and challenging part of the job is keeping up with changing technology as new inventions are brought into the workplace. Teleconferencing tools that utilize computers, phone systems and visuals are becoming more common, so you will need to have a mastery of these complex machines in order to serve a company in the future.

There also are a large amount of administrative duties that you must master when you become an audio visual technician. The biggest challenge is scheduling, because you will be called to set up equipment for meetings and events, and that requires you to keep a calendar of upcoming commitments so you don't miss setting up for a coworker's meeting. Frequently, audio visual departments will loan equipment to employees to use independently, and you also will be responsible for checking out and receiving this equipment, much like a library.

If you choose to become an audio visual technician, you also must consider what type of job you prefer. Smaller companies will have you work in all aspects of technology. Larger companies might have you focus on a particular aspect of audio visual technology. Your educational period will give you an idea of what best fits your talents.