Video Editor Career Path

There is good news if you’ve always wanted to be a Video Editor but were concerned about its financial viability or long-term prospects. There has never been a better time to pursue this career path! Most adults in the United States spend an average of seven hours looking at digital media on their phones, tablets, or computers. So, the need for Video Editors will continue to increase over the next decade. Strategically developing a Video Editor training and career pathway today can ensure your place in this lucrative career. Keep reading to discover how to launch your Video Editor journey. 

Getting Started

Starting the path toward becoming a Video Editor may seem daunting, but a few easy steps will help determine if the Video Editing field is right for you. Begin by looking for free resources that describe the experience and education Video Editors need to be successful. Noble Desktop offers a wealth of free YouTube videos about Video Editing tools and techniques, including their introductory Get Started with Video Editing guide and comprehensive coverage of Video Editing and Motion Graphics tools and techniques. 

If you are interested in taking video editing classes but are not ready to commit financially, consider exploring Noble Desktop’s free recorded seminars. These tutorials cover essential video editing programs, such as Premiere Pro and After Effects, and a general introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud. These videos introduce you to the vocabulary and technical knowledge needed to develop your career path. 

After conducting your independent research, you can begin developing your Video Editing network. Create a LinkedIn profile so you can connect with and learn about the career trajectories of other video editors. Reach out to established video editors in your prospective career for informational interviews about working in the field. You can also begin scanning job postings on professional websites like Indeed or Monster to learn more about the skills and experiences Video Editors need to be competitive. This initial research will be foundational in determining your next steps and ensuring you choose the right path. 

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.

Internships

The best way to become a professional Video Editor is through a balance of education and experience. Internships are a great way to build your skills, learn the entire workflow of different video editing programs, and refine your storytelling skills. Interns frequently work with one or more supervisors who can help them build professional connections in their industry and connect them to further job opportunities. Internships are an excellent way to create professional portfolios and prepare to enter the job market. You can even use internships to explore your unique artistic vision and define your brand.

Before applying to internships, thoroughly research the company’s history, employee treatment, and average internship pay. Many interns are paid low wages or expected to work long hours for free. Checking Glassdoor and other websites that allow employees to communicate anonymously about their experiences in the company can prepare you for the work environment you are entering. 

Entry-Level Video Editor Jobs

After gaining experience working with one or more software programs through an internship or certificate program, many Video Editors seek entry-level positions. Entry-level Video Editors usually come straight out of an internship or a related Bachelor’s degree program but lack the significant professional experience that mid or senior-level professionals possess. Entry-level positions generally require at least a year of experience using a major video editing software program and overall computer literacy. Directors or supervisors frequently observe, critique, and guide new video editors through the vision and expectations of their work at this level.

Entry-level Video Editors work in a range of industries. Many produce social media content and other marketing collateral for specific clients and businesses, especially if they have prior experience creating their own content for these platforms. While pay scales for these jobs are lower than mid or senior-level video editing jobs, they are great entry points into different industries and enable Video Editors to build their skills and professional networks.

Mid-Level Video Editor Jobs

Many Video Editors expand their job horizons after completing these initial periods of education, training, and practice by pursuing mid-level video editing jobs. Most of these opportunities expect applicants to have two to three years of video editing experience and high proficiency with most video editing programs. Mid-level Video Editors often work in teams and are expected to create content that reflects their company’s established brand. They are more deeply integrated into the production process and often take on supervisory roles. Mid-level Video Editors are expected to be calm and controlled under pressure as they juggle multiple projects. They are likelier to work weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional work schedules than their managers. 

Senior Video Editor Jobs

After seven to ten years of editing and production experience, most Video Editors are experienced enough to apply for senior management positions. Video Editors at this level should have expert knowledge of their company’s go-to editing software and regularly update their skills to reflect program updates and changes. These professionals have a comprehensive understanding of their company’s brand identity and ideals, allowing them to oversee and direct the creative processes of lower-level professionals. They must juggle multiple projects simultaneously and balance staff members' and stakeholders' input and opinions. Senior Video Editors frequently take on roles such as Multimedia Managers, Group Creative Directors, and Video Production Managers. 

Another Path: Freelancing

Are you feeling stifled about answering a direct supervisor for the next decade? Have you always dreamed of being the boss of your own company and being able to define the artistic identity of your business? Freelancing may be the best route for you! Freelance Video Editors can work part-time or full-time through contracts with clients and companies. Since they work for themselves, freelancers take on many roles. They are responsible for marketing their business, building positive relationships with clients, and determining the expected work output of the business. They are also solely responsible for all the expenses associated with running a business and must be able to take on multiple managerial roles throughout the day. 

Freelance Video Editors also have the freedom and flexibility to define their career paths. Rather than learning to use video editing software preferred by a company, freelance Video Editors define their company’s tools and workflow. While freelancers must answer to the needs and preferences of their clients, they have significantly more control over their creative process and the cost of their services. 

How Do I Find A Video Editor Job?

When it comes to landing a job in video editing or any of its related careers, two crucial elements are your portfolio and knowing where to look for open positions. Your portfolio serves as a tangible representation of your skills, experience, and creativity. That’s why it’s necessary to curate your best work when creating a standout portfolio. Ensure it showcases your technical abilities and creative vision, and remember to include any distinctive projects that might set you apart from other candidates. Tailor your portfolio to the job you're applying for by including relevant work samples and highlighting buzzwords in the job listing.

Finding open careers can be achieved through several routes. Online job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor are valuable resources for current job listings. Industry-specific websites and forums may also post job opportunities. Networking is another fruitful approach; attending industry events or connecting with professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. There are also freelancing sites like Upwork and Dribbble that provide a platform for hiring talent. These sites allow employers to hire professionals on a short-term or contract basis, enabling them to try different skill sets for their projects.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Aspiring Video Editors should explore different educational and employment pathways before they pursue educational and training opportunities. 
• Video Editors progressively gain more responsibility and artistic freedom as they move from internships and entry-level jobs to senior-level management. 
• Freelancers have much more creative freedom in defining their brand identity and determining the expectations for their outputs. 
• Noble Desktop offers professionals the comprehensive training necessary to become Video Editors.