I'm looking for a job in home theater/electronics in CT. Any suggestions on where to begin?

Question

I'll admit right away that I am still a novice when it comes to electronics, but I've been developing an obsession the past couple years and believe it could be a great career move. I am always setting up TV's and sound systems for friends and family as well as advising them on what to buy. I figure why not try to make this a living and actually be happy at work? I have no professional training, experience, or certifications. I am willing to take courses and invest money, even start off with a not so glamorous job. My goal would be to either get into installation or consulting. Either way, I'd love to become an expert in home theater. I just don't know where to go or what to do to start things off. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks.

Answer 1

I am a THX Level II Installer. And first I would like to welcome you to are family of custom Installer.

I started out in a very similar way. I think you will make a very good installer.

There use to be a Home Theater Boot Camp at EHX (Electronic Home Expo), But they didn't host one at the last show. It would have been a great start.

Look up and try to find a good Home theater company in your area. Not a small company but one with at least two install teams, They always need someone to pull wires. You'll have to work hard that first year. But you'll learn more about wiring in the first two weeks then you learn in the last year. And you'll be happy you did.

Ask questions. Take a ISF,THX,HAA or any class you can find.

But again... Welcome to the club!

Edit: DO NOT TRAIN AT BEST BUY OR CIRCUIT CITY.

Their entire methodology is wrong. If you ever do go to work for a company that actually cares about their clients and the quality of their work, you will have to unlearn everything you know and start from the beginning again.

Edir 2: They might start you out at a low starting pay grade. But they notice the installer who get's the job done. I start new guys at $12.00 an hour. I have a few making $30.00 + an hour.

If the installer is worth it they get more. I don't know what the starting pay is in Connecticut... But it can't be much lower.

Let me know how it works out for you.

Answer 2

to start you could probably go to best buy or circuit city

then go on from there

good luck =)

Answer 3

I am in the process of starting my own business also in this field. I am a lot like you.

I just did a whole house audio system for my brother in law for free. He paid for the components I picked out and i did the install for basically the experience and hopefully word of mouth. He is a journeyman carpenter and has alot of connections in the home building industry. Many of the tradesman working on his house have seen my work and may also recommend me. If possible look for someone like that to help get you a project or 2. Start out small try to work your way up.

Unfortunately I can not afford to quit my job and take up a job doing installation work unless I find part time night and weekend work.

There are a lot of good books out there. Bedrock learning online offers some online stuff too. it isn't real cheap but it is recognised by Cedia. The courses can also be used as Cedia CEUs( continuing education units) if you become Cedia certified.

Cedia also offers a bunch of training classes. THEY ARE NOT CHEAP. But I am sure the quality of information is quite good and usefull.

I plan to enroll in both EST (electronic system technician)boot camps.

GOOD LUCK!! I think this field is really growing and is going to really come to life in the coming years.