How to Become a Video Editor in Three Months

Changing careers or starting a new career can be exciting and daunting. From learning a new vocational vocabulary to deciding which software program to invest in, the road to becoming a professional video editor has its challenges. However, preparation and intentional training can smooth many bumps. While professional video editors spend years refining their craft and defining their artistic identity, you can learn the essential skills necessary to become a Video Editor in as little as three months. Keep reading about the potential pathways for entering this growing field. 

What is a Video Editor?

If you’re looking for a career that combines your artistic and organizational skills into a cohesive, creative experience, consider pursuing training as a Video Editor. Video Editors are responsible for compiling, editing, and producing different types of audio and visual content into a coherent and unique form of media. They frequently work with advertisers, filmmakers, directors, social media companies, and other visual media fields to create seamless and compelling narratives. 

Video Editors use professional-grade applications such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to transform raw footage shot onsite or at a soundstage into the modern movie masterpieces we see on our screens today. Editing includes smoothing the transitions between camera angles, removing background noises, and adding sound and visual effects. Video editors also transform ordinary greenscreens and tennis balls into fantastical landscapes and mythical figures. 

Read more about the responsibilities of a video editor.

Can You Really Become a Video Editor in Three Months?

Acquiring the skills necessary to become a video editor in three months may seem unrealistic. But, while everyone learns differently and at their own pace, several resources are available to help you build the necessary technical and soft skills to become a successful Video Editor in only a few months. While you will likely need several years to refine your skills and define your identity and unique style as a video editor, you can quickly learn the basic workflow of video editing and the foundational skills needed to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. 

Proper planning and preparation can go a long way when establishing a reasonable pathway to becoming an amateur Video Editor over a few months. Use the following steps to guide your video editor path in three months or less.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Video Editor?

The question of whether you need a degree to become a Video Editor is often debated. Although having a degree can give you an edge in terms of theoretical knowledge and industry recognition, it's not always a strict requirement for getting into this field. Many employers prioritize practical skills, creativity, and a compelling portfolio over formal education. However, having a degree in a relevant field, like film studies, communication, or graphic design, can undoubtedly enhance your understanding and provide a solid foundation for your career.

Still, there are other ways to break into this field. Learning independently through live online classes or certificate courses is one route that many successful Video Editors have taken. This approach allows you to learn at your own pace and focus on acquiring the specific skills you need. Likewise, internships and apprenticeships can provide hands-on experience and opportunities to network. Remember, consistently refining your skills and building an impressive portfolio showcasing your technical prowess and creative vision is the most important thing. This, combined with the determination to learn and improve, can lead you on a successful path in video editing, with or without a degree.

Read more about if you need a degree to become a Video Editor.

Steps to Become a Video Editor in Three Months

When starting as a Video Editor, the first step is determining your path and deciding which route you want to take. There are several approaches to learning video editing; you can take live classes, watch online tutorials, or learn independently. Each option has its merits, so finding the best method for you is important. Here's a brief summary of common steps to becoming a Video Editor.

Step #1: Determine Your Path

Begin your video editing journey by identifying the type of work you intend to pursue as a Video Editor. Do you plan to work in advertising, filmmaking, television, or social media? Would you like to work for a large or small company or as a self-employed freelancer? Each job type and employment opportunity has different expertise, experience, and skills expectations. Use job-finding sites like LinkedIn or Monster to learn more about the most common technical training, software program proficiency, and expertise needed to acquire your dream job. 

Step #2: Map Out Software and Costs

Once you have a clear idea of the job you want and its requirements, begin mapping out how you can acquire the necessary skills and experience at a reasonable cost and time. Choose one or more software programs you want to use as a professional Video Editor. Ensure you have the hardware and software necessary to run these programs, including a computer with high RAM capacity and high-speed internet access. While you may be tempted to cut corners at this stage, having all the necessary tools will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. 

Step #3: Learn the Required Material

After ensuring you have the necessary tools, it's time to dive into the material. Whether you choose an in-person class, live online certificate course, or want to follow a free seminar, ensure you acquire the skills needed for your chosen profession. This is also the time to try and master the skills required for the specific software and industry you want to specialize in. Some of the most common skills required by professional Video Editors are basic editing, color correction and grading, sound design, motion graphics, and animation.

Step #4: Complete Projects

Practicing is the best way to gain experience as a Video Editor. Allocate specific time for working on projects that you can include in your portfolio. This will help demonstrate your skill level and give potential employers an insight into your style and capabilities. Additionally, it's important to stay up to date with the latest technology and trends in the industry, as these can affect how you approach each project with your team or client.

Next Steps

Once you have completed the steps above, you can look for entry-level jobs or freelance gigs to help build your reputation in the industry. You can also consider taking on internships to gain more experience and network with other professionals in the field. Lastly, remember to continue learning and expanding your capabilities and take any opportunity as a Video Editor. Doing so will help you refine your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest technology, trends, and techniques in the video editing industry. 

Learn the Skills to Become a Video Editor at Noble Desktop

Are you excited to begin your video editor career but unsure where to start? Don’t stress! Noble Desktop is here to help! Noble Desktop offers many resources relevant to video editors at each leg of their professional journey. Professionals looking for a road map to entering or building their careers can explore training opportunities and career paths through Noble Desktop’s Learn Video Editing Page. Editors looking for a comprehensive overview of educational and practical training opportunities offered live online and in-person should check out Noble Desktop’s Video Editing Topic Page. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the video editing profession and relevant editing applications that professionals regularly use. 

Video Editors use various professional-grade applications to design and create their projects. But how do you determine which programs to add to your tool kit? Noble Desktop provides a comprehensive archive of learning resources that detail the functionality, level of learning difficulty, and cost of learning different applications. Foundationally, most professionals are well-versed in video editing software such as Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. If you are already established in the field and looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, consider learning more about motion graphics software like After Effects or 3D animation and modeling through Cinema 4D.

As you explore these sophisticated visual graphics programs, you will likely recognize that learning these intricate programs on your own can be a lonely and complicated process. Luckily, Noble Desktop offers live online and in-person courses for video editors at all stages of their careers. For example, professionals ready to dive into the video editing field may want to enroll in a Premiere Pro Bootcamp or After Effects in a Day course. These fast-paced classes are an excellent way to rapidly build your video editing skills with the guidance of an experienced instructor. Video Editors looking to diversify their portfolios and demonstrate their skills to potential employers can pursue a Video Editing Certificate or a Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate. Students gain robust hands-on experience through small class sizes and project-based learning opportunities. Noble Desktop even offers a free retake option so students can refresh their skills and maximize their retention within a year of their class.