The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) has hosted three student-focused online events titled “Career Opportunities in Pro Audio Manufacturing Companies,” the most recent of which was held for students at the Berklee College of Music, Valencia, Spain Campus.
The panels included four members of PAMA and provided valuable insights to pro audio students, from both company-specific and more generally aspirational perspectives. The series includes voices with a wide range of experience that reveal a diversity of industry options that students may not have previously considered.
The first event, with the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS), was held in 2020 and precipitated two events this year with Full Sail University and Berklee Valencia. The panels were coordinated and hosted by Karen Dunn, whose KMD Productions manages high-profile audio industry events.
The panelists each shared their own “non-linear” career paths leading to their current executive-level roles with professional audio manufacturers. Students were encouraged to consider various roles in audio industry manufacturing, including product development management and engineering, customer support and training, sales and marketing. Insights were offered into the culture, decision-making and career path options, along with how to find job postings and the application and interview process at the panelists’ respective companies.
“Take a relentless approach to networking,” Chris Regan, Co-Founder, CEO and President of RF Venue and the PAMA Board of Directors Chair suggested to the Berklee students. “Be flexible, be proactive.” Industry events – online, local, regional and international – manufacturer training opportunities and certification programs, professional organizations, internet forums and user groups were highlighted as ways for students to get involved in the industry and network with professionals who can benefit their careers.
“Say yes to almost every opportunity you get,” shared Sennheiser’s Dawn Birr, noting that entry and diverse experience open new opportunities. “Employers will all be looking for what you bring to the table and can add to the team,” Harman’s Chris Hansen offered , to which Karam Kaul from Harman and PAMA’s Board Chair-elect added, “It’s not just what you can offer the company, but what the company can offer you. Believe in yourself…be ready for anything.”
The series of webinars will continue this fall with a session for students at Berklee College of Music in the USA. The archived webinars may be viewed in the Events section of the PAMA website, along with PAMA membership meeting videos that feature a diverse cross-section of industry experts offering insight into various audio markets.
Upcoming PAMA event listings and an archive of past events can be found at www.pamalliance.org/events.
Learn more about PAMA at www.pamalliance.org.
