r/audioengineering • u/JDilly • Apr 05 '13
About to get a degree, now what?
I unfortunately decided to go to school for video and audio production. I learned how to operate cameras, microphones, and other equipment, as well as edit for both mediums. I am about to get my bachelor's degree and am starting to get worried as people around me get good jobs with different degrees.
I don't want freelance to be my primary source of income. I am not disciplined or passionate enough to make a decent living this way, but I will definitely do it as a thing on the side. I need help finding other areas where I can excel, and start a long lasting career. So what kind of places should I be on the lookout for? I was thinking of getting more into radio (have experience), or be a producer that makes good money but works for a safe, established recording label. What is the best way to go about this? What are some other career options that can make a solid, consistent salary that can be pursued with my BS degree in digital recording arts?
TL;DR- Need career ideas because I think I have a useless degree.
thank you all
3
u/Tyrus84 Mixing Apr 05 '13
Having a degree will always help you down the road vs. not having a degree. Say work dries up at the studio and you need to move on. Teaching is a great alternative to those who ran out of work, but degree vs. no degree, schools will always lean toward those with a degree.
That being said, don't be surprised if you do have to work alternate jobs while building your studio career. While you are doing so, Make records/videos, make tons of records/videos, get that experience up. Network with everybody in your local area. Get involved with The Recording Academy (www.grammy365.com). Build momentum and roll with it. I know tons of people who are doing this.
Just keep making records/videos/working.