Media technicians
are often employed in libraries, educational institutions and companies that need to use audio and visual equipment for training and education purposes. Media technicians are trained at universities and technical colleges to learn basic business concepts and understand various technologies for photo/video/audio production and presentations.
Significance
Media technicians are responsible for managing audiovisual and media equipment, and may also be involved with conducting training classes for staff members of an organization. An organization that relies heavily on audiovisual equipment for marketing and staff training purposes may need a team of media technicians to coordinate the setup, maintenance and management of media equipment for various events.
Function
Common tasks undertaken by a media technician or media specialist include customizing photos and videos to create tutorials and presentations; creating slide shows and webcasts; creating marketing and training materials for a company; assisting in the setup and takedown of media equipment for a training session, meeting or conference; and/or assisting the creative director or media director of an organization with various projects.
Types
Media technicians may work in a variety of settings and take on different roles throughout their career. They may work exclusively for a marketing or communications department, or be in charge for an entire organization's audio and visual needs. Media technicians may be hired by small businesses, mid-sized companies, corporations or work as independent contractors to serve other media professionals in the industry.
Features
Higher education and work experience in the field of media management allow technicians to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this competitive field. The educational career path for a media technician or media specialist allows individuals to gain several marketable skills that can be used and applied in a variety of industries. In addition to gaining technical knowledge about different types of equipment, a technician gains communication skills as they educate and train others on use various systems and interfaces.
Considerations
Students interested in pursuing this career path can focus on visual arts, information technology and communications during high school and the earlier years of college, as these provide a solid foundation of knowledge for courses in a media technician degree program. Entry-level positions may involve simple tasks such as scheduling and monitoring audiovisual equipment, assessing the condition of different types of media equipment and providing training to staff members; an Associate's degree or 2 years of technical training in the field is usually the minimum requirement for this type of position. A media technician may grow in their career to take on a supervisory or management role, and will need relevant work experience and advanced skills to pursue these types of positions.
Tags: Media technicians, media equipment, media technician, audio visual, audiovisual equipment, career path
