Broadcast Technicians
The specialized nature of the radio and television industries requires technicians to operate and maintain the equipment used for recording and transmitting information. Broadcast technicians fill this role by working with equipment such as television cameras, transmitters, microphones, audio-tape recorders, video-tape recorders, and other electronic devices.
Technicians in this field hold a variety of job titles. Examples include audio control engineer, recording engineer, video control engineer, field technician, maintenance technician, transmitter operator.
In many cases, the term engineer is used as a synonym for technician and does not necessarily require a college degree in engineering (instead, training at a vocational school or two-year college often will suffice).
Work Performed
Typical jobs performed by broadcast technicians include the following:
- operating equipment in a booth or control room during a television broadcast
- setting up, operating, and dismantling equipment used for a remote-site radio broadcast
- operating transmitters and maintaining broadcast logs
- servicing and repairing electronic broadcasting equipment
- operating sound, lighting, or special effects equipment
Places of Employment
Broadcast technicians work at radio and television stations throughout North America. Most such facilities are located in or near cities, although not all stations are restricted to large metropolitan areas (especially with radio). Some jobs also can be found with universities, corporations, or other organizations that produce training materials, audio tapes, or other broadcast-type materials.
Working Environment
A special advantage experienced by many broadcast technicians is the sense of glamour that often accompanies radio and television work. For example, a technician who assists a television news crew may be exposed to a variety of newsworthy events or encounter famous people. The excitement of working as part of a team striving for high-quality broadcasting also can prove stimulating.
Computer Service Technicians
Like it or not, the computer is here to stay. Computers are becoming an increasingly vital part of life, not just in high-technology industries, but also in daily life. Almost every company or organization uses computers, accomplishing tasks ranging from word processing and inventory to control of manufacturing processes. This means that demand is growing for persons who can maintain and repair computer equipment.
Computer service technicians hold jobs with firms that sell computers, with companies and large organizations that own large numbers of computers and choose to employ their own service personnel, and with the military. They service and repair computers and related equipment such as printers and disk storage units.
Work Performed
Examples of work performed by computer service technicians include:
- installing computers and computer systems, including hooking up electrical connections and testing equipment before it is used
- running diagnostic programs and identifying equipment malfunctions
- replacing components of computers and related equipment
- cleaning and adjusting equipment such as disk drives, printers, and other components and peripherals
- transporting computer equipment to and from a central repair shop
- calling on customers and maintaining positive relationships with them
Educational Background
The background required for working in this area is much like that needed for other technicians providing service and repair functions. Of course, special emphasis on computers and how they work is a prime component of any preparation for a career in this area.
Working Conditions
One difference between this field and some related areas is that more night or weekend work may be required, at least with some employers. Because computers are so important to the operations of many businesses, malfunctions may require immediate attention. This can mean being on call during night or weekend hours, or, in some cases, putting in shift work.
A plus in such situations may be the opportunity to earn extra income, which is often paid at an overtime rate of one and one-half to two times the normal hourly wage.
Employment Outlook
A strong point for this career area is the growing nature of the field itself. According to U.S. Department of Labor projections, growth of jobs in computer service and repair is expected to be much faster than the average for all occupations in the years ahead. That means more openings will develop for those wanting to break into the field, as well as greater opportunities for those who are employed but who would like to change jobs. The overall outlook is that this is one of today's most promising career areas.
Related Occupations
Persons who enjoy working with electronic devices may apply such skills in a variety of other job categories. These include communications equipment mechanics, elevator installers and repairers, home appliance and power tool repairers, office machine and cash register servicers, telephone installers, vending machine servicers and repairers.
Job demands, training, and other factors of careers in these fields are similar to those discussed in previous chapters and will not be repeated here. A general background in electronics can provide the basis for branching off into one of these specialty areas.
Another potential job category is that of manager. Technicians or engineers may move into supervisory roles since in many organizations managers are needed to supervise the work of staff.
An interesting program is offered by Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. SIU's Bachelor of Science in Electronics Management program is designed for graduates of associate degree programs in electronics who would like to pursue a long-term career in the electronics industry. The program offers students a chance to combine technical and managerial skills.
Students in this program take courses in both electronics and management. The program also includes a general education requirement. Students who have developed specialties in military service (such as radar, ground equipment electronics systems, communications, navigation, and avionic instruments) may build upon their experiences.
Students pursuing this degree option select from the following programs of study:
Biomedical Instrumentation Technology (emphasizing repairing, installing, selling, and managing technology within the medical industry).
Industrial Electronics Technology (repairing, installing, selling, and managing technology associated with robotic and industrial control systems).
Communications Technology (repairing, installing, selling, and managing technology associated with telephone systems, wireless communication, video, and audio equipment).
Microcomputer Technology (repairing or installing microprocessor-based equipment).
In addition to the major areas of employment in electronics, other career areas may include working with electronic devices or principles. For example, automobile technicians working with contemporary cars and trucks may deal with electronic components and testing devices. The same is true for aircraft mechanics (particularly those who specialize in avionics), various types of engineers, physicists, and many others.
The overall outlook is that for persons interested in electronics, plenty of career options are available. The employment possibilities in this area are varied indeed!
