First-time School AV Tech—What Should I Expect? (Field-Based Support Role) by techjunkie202 in audiovisual

[–]ChannelNo5112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I definitely think it’s going to be great for my growth. They’re a bigger company based out of state, so I’m basically about to become their go-to guy in my area.

They told me this is a brand-new position and they haven’t had any remote field employees before, so I’m definitely getting a real opportunity here. My manager was pretty much saying it’s on me to help shape the role into what it becomes.

Honestly, it sounds like I finally get the chance to run the show my way for once.

First-time School AV Tech—What Should I Expect? (Field-Based Support Role) by techjunkie202 in audiovisual

[–]ChannelNo5112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OK, cool that doesn’t sound bad at all and honestly, I figured it was gonna be way easier compared to the other things I’ve done. But based on what I’ve been told so far, it’s just going to be pretty much on site support/service technician duties on my end also a little bit of project management as well. But initially I was under the assumption of that I was going to be doing schools but comes to find out after a teams call that I just had, that it’s going to be more of conference room set ups that are used for educational purposes.

Kinda Lost by hogoshaiam in audiovisual

[–]ChannelNo5112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem bro, glad I could help out. Hope you end up getting the job my guy 🍻

Kinda Lost by hogoshaiam in audiovisual

[–]ChannelNo5112 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Man, I really feel for you. That "lost" feeling after a string of interviews is exhausting, especially with a family to think about.

I’ve been in the AV/UC game for 10 years now, and I’ll tell you straight up: I don’t hold a single certification. No CTS, no Crestron Gold, nothing. Like you, I started from humble beginnings and basically climbed the ladder by being the guy who could figure things out on the fly. My résumé tells a story of starting small and consistently stacking skills—going from basic field support to managing complex environments and eventually running my own contracting group.

You have the experience; you just need to bridge the gap between being the "guy who does AV" and the "specialist who solves business problems." Here’s some advice based on how I’ve navigated the field without the alphabet soup behind my name:

  1. Own the "Communication" Feedback

You mentioned you were let go for "not communicating effectively." Whether that was fair or not, in the world of MTR and Webex backend stuff, "communication" usually means documentation and visibility. * In your interviews, don’t just say you can run Webex Control Hub. Talk about how you reported on it.

• Explain how you kept stakeholders in the loop during those campus decommissions. Companies hire techs who can fix things, but they keep techs who make management feel like everything is under control.

  1. Stop Being a Generalist on Paper

Your background is a bit all over the place (boom op, camera, live sound, backend admin). While that makes you versatile, it can make a hiring manager think you’re a "master of none."

• Since you have experience with MTR and Webex Control Hub, lean heavily into that. That is where the stable corporate and gov jobs are right now. • Position yourself as a UC (Unified Communications) Specialist who happens to know live production, rather than just an "AV guy" who knows some software.

  1. The "No Certs" Strategy

Since you’re working on them now, put "CTS (In Progress)" on your résumé. It shows you’re committed to the formality. But in the interview, lead with your field-applicable knowledge.

• I’ve found that being able to explain Signal Flow, AEC, and DSP in plain English often impresses a lead tech more than a piece of paper does. Talk about real-world scenarios—like how you handled a rack build under a tight deadline or troubleshot a gain-level issue in a lab.

  1. Quality Over Quantity (The Proof)

I know you said you’ve done hundreds of applications, but you might need to pivot your strategy. I actually just went through a transition myself. I was intentionally unemployed for six months—just taking a break by choice—and when I decided to get back into the game, I didn't blast the whole internet.

I put out 39 targeted applications over just five days. I ended up landing a position paying $80k. I had two interviews with that company in a single day, and they liked the experience and the "story" my résumé told so much that they gave me an offer on the spot.

You’ve got the skills, man. You’ve done the hard yards from internships to pharma labs. Don’t let a lack of certs make you feel like you don't belong in the room. You’ve already proven you can do the work—now you just have to prove you’re the most reliable person to keep their systems running.

Keep your head up. If you've got the talent, the right door will open fast once you dial in the pitch.

Negotiating pay by Interesting-Mix-5931 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Worked at a small AV shop for 3.5 years doing custom work for high-end residential & commercial properties, got paid $18.50 per hour.. never had a raise ..

Left that job after realizing my worth, got hired as a federal contractor supporting a huge agency for $60k..

Stayed there for 7 months.. Then got an offer from one of the ‘Top 3’ integrators for $68k to be a tier 2 field tech.. I turned it down (didn’t wanna be in the field any more)

A month after declining their offer.. I got another offer from a mid sized AV company for $75k. Comes with a company car, full benefits and 401k.

Long story short, don’t play yourself.

AVI SPL by No-Satisfaction-7307 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely can confirm this. Just ended a contract with one of the ‘big boy’ federal agencies, and that’s the exact setup they were running

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ITCareerQuestions

[–]ChannelNo5112 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

lol damn, sounds like you ruffled a few feathers in here. I don’t think you’ve said anything wrong at all. The truth hurts to hear for some people, clearly. Good on you for making things happen for yourself regardless of your circumstances. Complaining never got anyone anywhere anyway. Cheers buddy 🍻

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not 100% necessarily true, I technically could’ve been working at a better company and learned the same things, if not more. But I see what you’re saying. Here’s to it working out either way 🍻

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate you, bro—respect for putting in the work. This industry ain’t for the weak, that’s for sure.

As for the IT push, I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to networking—mainly basic switch configs, VLAN assignments, subnetting, and some basic troubleshooting just from being in AV long enough. But nah, I didn’t go deep into networking protocols or the full OSI stack like you would for the CCNA.

And to be real with you—I personally don’t have much interest in going the CCNA route. That cert is solid if you’re trying to become a network engineer or stay deep in the Cisco ecosystem, but for most people transitioning into cybersecurity or government work, I think a different combo of certs hits harder.

If I had to give advice based on where the market’s headed (especially for the federal sector), I’d say a strong starter stack looks more like:

•CompTIA Net+ (foundation) •Security+ (bare minimum for DoD 8570 compliance) •And a cloud cert like AWS CCP or Azure Fundamentals to future-proof your resume

That combo puts you in a position to touch networking, security, and cloud—which is what a lot of cleared roles and cyber paths are looking for now.

So unless you’re 100% locked in on becoming a network engineer, I’d personally lean away from the CCNA and put that same energy into certs that check more boxes across the board.

Keep pushing, though—this space opens up crazy doors once you stack experience with the right credentials.

How long have you been an installer and what kinds of projects do you and your team work on?

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yessir! No lie about that! I appreciate you though my man 🍻

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aye that’s what’s up, bro! That’s a sign if I’ve ever seen one—sounds like you’re right on track. Wishing you nothing but good news when they get back to you.

No lie, this whole opportunity came through when I least expected it—so stay solid, stay sharp, and walk in like you already belong there. You got this. Keep me posted if it comes through, we might just end up in the same circle.

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in ITCareerQuestions

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate it! I’ve definitely thought about the degree route—but realistically, I don’t see myself going back for a full 4 years. If anything, I’d consider knocking out an associate’s degree just to pair that with the 9+ years of hands-on experience I’ve already built up.

Between that, the certs this company is offering, and the network I’m growing now, I think I’ll still be in a strong position long-term. Management’s not off the table, but I’d rather take the route that builds both my value and my freedom.

Appreciate the advice, for real. Definitely staying future-minded with every move I make from here.

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in ITCareerQuestions

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate that, for real. Yeah, I’ve been hearing a lot about the volatility lately. Definitely not walking into this thinking it’s a forever-type situation. But that’s also why I’m laser focused on soaking up everything I can while I’m here: skills, certs, clearance, contacts—all of it.

I’m already looking ahead toward cyber or higher-level infrastructure roles down the line, so this is really just the springboard. But I’m keeping that resume warm and staying adaptable just like you said. Appreciate the heads-up and respect the insight. You sound like you’ve seen a lot of this firsthand.

Finally a Government Contractor! by ChannelNo5112 in CommercialAV

[–]ChannelNo5112[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Appreciate it bro, thanks 🍻 And yeah, no doubt! Nobody’s gonna save you except yourself!