When companies are building new offices, or even just modernising their existing ones, a vast amount of architectural design and construction is needed. Projects like this need lots of different people to do the different jobs, under the architect, who is the project’s design leader.
The job of the AV Consultant is to make sure that all audio and visual aspects of the process are designed and fitted in the correct way to make sure that it is best placed for the company to use, as well as making it look nice and work efficiently. The consultant supports the design team and heads up their own team of designers and product selectors, as well as overseeing the implementation of their plans by the engineers and building teams.
Salary & benefits
Obviously the more jobs that are completed, the more money is going to be coming into the business, but as a managing partner and a senior member of staff, an AV Consultant is likely to earn anywhere between £35,000 and £60,000 per year.
Many consultants run their own firms, so the benefits are interchangeable and not set in stone. Some possible benefits include private healthcare, company cars and life insurance.
Working hours
Hours for AV Consultants are varied, and the nature of their work means that there are often 6 day weeks and 14 hour days in the busiest periods. That said, client relations will prove a big part of what the consultant does, so it’s not all bad – there will be golf days, and sports events in corporate boxes, when you reach the top!
Entry
This is the tricky bit. Many AV Consultants come from an Electrical Engineering background, whilst others come from a more design-based background. What is elementary here though, is the working up the chain towards the consultancy role. Have a look at the entry into the Electrician profession here.
For design, the way in might involve coming to terms with AutoCAD, which is one of the defining tools of the industry, and working your way up through the design teams and into a management role.
Training & progression
Much of the training is done on the job, as this is a role where experience in the audio visual field is absolutely key. There is no obvious progression, you just need to keep working hard, proving your worth, waiting for the opportunities to arise – and taking them when they do!
Some companies will offer schemes to graduates who have relevant experience and degrees, but these are few and far between, so the best way in is to gain relevant experience, learn the key skills and get involved as soon as possible.