pro tools certification for job placement?

[surflounge]

Is is worth getting pro tools certification for job placement?
Quite a gamble spending the tuition money on hope of a job to pay it back.
Anyone had experience or opinion?

[cajonezzz]

well--in and of itself, no. but it can't hurt to have solid knowledge.

A little more info on where you are now, and where you hope to go, and I'm sure folks will chime in for you.

IMO, you can do a lot of work on your own with the manual, and a basic rig-- There are other resources out there as well _ multiplatinum pro tools comes to mind, although i haven't actually seen it, i've heard good things.

Another tack would be to search out some personal tutoring from an experienced user. I really don't think that the certification really counts for what you'd hope in a hiring situation.... It's not so much the platform, as it is the concepts really.

[surflounge]

Thank you. I have a chance to start training classes in January in California, but I felt it important to check if it makes financial sense to take on the tuition debt (from an investor) with the promise that I will have job placement to pay it back.
I am experienced in audio engineering for decades, but my plan was to have the certification for higher paying employment.
Am I dreaming, or is there any true hope that this plan might work?

[Fletcher]

Originally Posted by surflounge

I am experienced in audio engineering for decades, but my plan was to have the certification for higher paying employment.

For all I know that could exist in a union gig [or Johnny Corporate gig] or perhaps an educational gig... but other than that it's pretty much a non-issue.

You either know your tools and can do the gig or you're unemployed.

End of story.

You should know that if you've been doing this for decades... think about it, have you ever seen an AE get a higher grade of pay due to any kind of certification?

Independent AE's rates are a function of supply and demand... as the "demand" rises for your time... and the "supply" of your time is fixed... then the value of that time becomes greater. In other words... you work for the highest bidder [which is how it's always worked in my world... as always, your world could be different].

Peace.

[James Meeker]

Nobody that I know with the power to hire someone in a studio cares about certifications. The audio world doesn't work that way.

Either you can get clients, manage a session and make a record or you can't.

The guys that CAN have a client list, discography and skills, hiring them is usually a no brainer. Those types are few and far between.

I'll admit, entry level in this profession is tough. There are too many of you for one thing. Most studios are entirely apathetic to your cause.

This field is very self-directed. If you want a job in recording you have to MAKE that job appear. You have to dedicate yourself to always getting better. And it takes years of commitment.

I'm not saying don't do it if it will get you motivated to further increase your knowledge, but don't expect to get a job if the only thing you have going for you is a piece of paper.

If you already have decades of experience in AE... what's the problem? You should be able to just walk into a mid-level studio and pretty much demand a job.

[surflounge]

Thank you Fletcher. I prefer to just send you a big check for some gear and build a new facility, but seems the training school might come first. Sounds like I won't be heart broken if I don't make the classes. I'll relax and gather funds to send to you to build it right, and not work for someone doing it wrong. I appreciate you chiming in. Too bad I can't use this thread to convince my investor that the school is a good idea.

[FossilTooth]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

... as always, your world could be different

Is this the end of Fletcher's "YMMV" era?

Are we now bearing witness to the dawn of the "YWCBD" era?

I think I may prefer "YWMBD". Has a nicer ring to it, and it's less of shock, seeing at least one "M" in there. It makes me feel safe and secure in this new uncharted water.

[surflounge]

Originally Posted by James Meeker

Nobody that I know with the power to hire someone in a studio cares about certifications. The audio world doesn't work that way.

I'm not saying don't do it if it will get you motivated to further increase your knowledge, but don't expect to get a job if the only thing you have going for you is a piece of paper.

Thank you JM
Once again, doesn't look like I can use this to convince my investor. In fact, you have saved me a fortune of debt.

[Igotsoul4u]

Certification will not translate into dollars anymore then hardwork and observation. I spent a lot of time practicing quick keys and edits at home on an mbox and in the end I was faster then any of the guys that were certified from full sail etc... They are only going to show you one way to work and only show it to you one time. I worked at a great studio with good engineers and i would just watch them edit the entire day and then go home and try to do the same thing. In the end, if you are really fast and organized with your protools operation then your reputation will spread via word of mouth. If you aren't then no piece of paper will convince anyone. Spend the money on gear. My coworkers at the studio sent their money to pay for their college loans. I had a decent home studio. Anyway....

[Herb Utsmelz]

Pro Tools won't get you a job as an engineer/producer any faster than Maybelline cosmetics will get you a job as a model.

[raal]

Originally Posted by Herb Utsmelz

Pro Tools won't get you a job as an engineer/producer any faster than Maybelline cosmetics will get you a job as a model.

woops. there goes my modeling carrer.

[Steffmo]

wait....there are JOBS????????

[lowfreq33]

The protools certification can be a good thing if you care to take the entire course, up to expert level. The first couple of classes are extremely basic, it's only once you get above the "operator" level that you get into advanced features. IMHO the money would be better spent on gear.

p.s. - I'm certified. So take that for what it's worth.

[Eric Greedy]

I'm certifiable ....


besides that other than actually knowing all that the education gives you I think the "paper" is worthless.