Talk us through an average day in your role
Some people say “there are no two days alike” at their job, and I am definitely one of those people. For me, the role of an AV system designer has morphed into a variety of responsibilities. Many are tasks where I saw a need and took initiative in meeting it. This includes teaching all day hands-on training classes for large and small integrators covering broadcast and AV across North America. Many in attendance are other system designers, programmers, commissioners and operations personnel.
In between the travelling and training, I field many requests for designing small, medium and large media and AV networks. Fortunately, with my 25-year IT network integration background, the jump into the AV and media technology world felt natural for me.
There are always post-sales support and ‘special’ customer issues that arise, which end up developing into conversations about how to fix a particular network with specific media devices. Occasionally, that will progress into an onsite installation fix. More recently, I’ve been seeing an uptick in requests from C-suite executives who want to build their own studio and broadcast live events such as company all-hands, quarterly events, or ask-the-leadership types of events.
How did you get started in the media industry?
I was working for NETGEAR IT for a few years, and fortunately the AV director approached me about a position that was opening in the group. I had supported the group from an IT perspective, but I suppose I made an impression. Our director thought it was a natural fit with my IT network background.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
Other than the hands-on experience of installing networks over the years, I didn’t have any training or preparation for broadcast or AV. Honestly, without a doubt, this has been one of the most challenging roles — educating and training myself on the variables, nuances and infinitesimal details of how AV and broadcast integration work. Multicast, IGMP, PIM, PTP and SMPTE are all elements that a system designer needs to understand when developing a network for these industries.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
Quite frankly, it’s the people and technology. With the development of speeds of network switches, cameras and audio devices, this industry is always throwing something new at you. People in this industry come from so many different backgrounds in their careers. I have such an appreciation for our customers and integrators and their experiences. Many of them have morphed into this industry just like I did.
It’s also been incredibly rewarding to be part of NETGEAR’s rapid growth over the past few years. I absolutely love the people I work with, and I think that passion shows. We’ve had more and more customers comment on how much they appreciate the personal attention and support they’re getting from me and the entire team.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
My biggest advice would be to network with people in the industry and take on a lower-level role, possibly to get your foot in the door. Join various AV and professional broadcast groups on LinkedIn, and make the most of networking opportunities at shows such as InfoComm, IBC, ISE, or NAB. The one thing I can say is that communities in this industry embrace people who are interested. They give advice graciously. Many enterprise environments often now have an AV department. I would recommend getting to know them. When I travel, companies are asking if I know anyone interested in a new position. They are willing to train with the right person who wants to jump in and get their hands dirty and learn.
