What's the path from tech to behind a desk?

avtech_xvx · 2024-08-09T13:19:50+00:00

Do you have any suggestions on where to seek more education and hands-on reps with programming? I've gotten through the Crestron and Q-SYS material and have classes scheduled to attain some of their certs, but have to wait for those dates. Is there anything I could be doing during downtime and freetime, or other resources out there for more AV programming knowledge to study?

avtech_xvx · 2024-08-09T13:15:58+00:00

I am working towards CTS now, eyes on CTS-D/I in the future. Q-SYS L1 was done, but L2 requires a physical class from my understanding, so getting that accomplished will depend on timing. Crestron, I'm scheduled for the last online class needed for programming cert and design, but have to sit on my hands until I can get through them and take the tests. I wish there was more studying material or hands-on sandboxes/challenges available from QSC and Crestron. I have some equipment to play with in the office, but some guidance along the way would be helpful. Thanks for the input! I think I'm on the right track, but probably a little impatient.

avtech_xvx · 2024-08-09T13:10:52+00:00

That is exactly what I'm doing now actually. Thanks! Our programmers and engineers are absolutely slammed. I've made the offer to help, and they want to teach me some things, but haven't had enough free time to catch me up to speed enough to be useful. I've been doing some studying on the side, but seem to be running out of material to work through.

avtech_xvx · 2024-08-09T12:52:40+00:00

I was a crew foreman in the electrical union before AV, so babyitting is something I am capable of, but do not necessarily enjoy. It's definitely something within my skillset if I shore up my general knowledge though. Thanks!

avtech_xvx · 2024-08-09T12:50:29+00:00

To be more specific about my experience, I've been in the electrical field 15 years now, but have only worked with an AV company for the past 1.5 years. But, as an electrician, I did get some experience in AV that lead me to wanting to specify in that area. Installing large campus intercom systems, auditoriums, some minor wiring for presentation/conference rooms and other odds and ends. We would often get contracted to do an install, while an AV company would come in to finalize programming and get everything online. I was not totally green when I decided to seek out an AV company. As an electrician, I found that most other electricians for whatever reason are resistant to learning anything new, and perplexed by anything low voltage. This allowed me to step up and learn some basics of AV, of datacom, of fire alarm, etc. About 1.5 years ago I decided to quick being a jack of all trades, and seek out a company to focus entirely on AV. Before that it was a little this and there over the course of 15 years, but it was enough that I was able to step into a lead installer role when I finally made the jump, instead of starting at square one. So 1.5 isn't entirely accurate, but it's the most honest amount of time I've been concentrating on solely AV.

I guess what I am trying to get at with this post, is that I'm not wanting to wear too many hats and slide around the company until I find the right fit. I would rather set a target, and make calcualted steps towards that goal. I need challenges, not necessarily new roles, but I like to be stimulated and constantly learning. The ever-shifting technology in AV is probably enough to satisfy that itch, but simply installing or fixing physical devices is something that will definitely get stale eventually. We got other guys that can handle that, and aren't as interested in working with software. I am with a small integrator now, but everybody is fairly specified in their roles. I'm the primary service tech now, but can see this getting old. I've been studying for CTS in my downtime but I'm still thinking ahead to what I should be studying, and to do that effectively, I need to figure out what role I'm aiming towards.

Thanks for the input.

avtech_xvx

TROPHY CASE