It can be difficult to break into recording engineering. Experience working on a practicum placement through a school training program or as a volunteer at a cable television station is an asset. Beginning in radio commercial production is another option.
It is common in the industry for someone to start out as a "gopher" or assistant engineer, and work their way up. You must be willing to work for little money to gain practical experience and establish a reputation for good work. Advancement generally takes the form of working on more complex projects and building a reputation for good work. Some recording engineers move into related positions, such as producer, or open their own recording studios.
Recording engineers work for:
- video and film production companies
- multimedia companies
- television and radio stations
- theatre and dance companies
- recording studios.
Some freelance recording engineers set up their own basement or project recording studios. Experienced studio recording engineers may advance to producer positions.
Recording engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5225: Audio and video recording technicians. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
