Tag: STEM career profile

  • STEM Career Profile : Film and Video Editor

    STEM Career Profile : Film and Video Editor

    The position of film and video editor–which is usually a freelance position–is the technical side of a creative field. This career requires you to be precise and systematic; you would be responsible for putting together raw recorded materials into a completed product for broadcast or purchase. Usually the material you will use is a compilation of dialogue, camera footage, sound effects, special effects and graphics. Typically, freelance editors work on short-term contracts specifically for post-production studios, corporate employers and television companies.

    Canada has a fast growing film and television industry, specifically in Toronto and Vancouver. There is so much production, so many jobs, and so much opportunity for creative satisfaction and financial gain. The typical varieties of productions that employ film and video editors are television programs, feature films, music videos, corporate training videos and commercials. This–like any creative employment field–is highly competitive; the trick to success is lots and LOTS of work. Get yourself into internships and build up your portfolio like it is the most important thing in your possession. Many editors need to also provide voice-over and commentary writing, suggest and select music, experiment with style techniques and different graphic elements, and being 100% concerned with the quality of editing and audio and video engineering. Degrees are not entirely necessary, but showing commitment and determination is incredibly important. Work experience and a website profile are a must-have. Use LinkedIn every day and make your portfolio available to the cyber world.

    Film and video editors get to read scripts and meet with directors in order to understand the vision intended for the film. Furthermore they must always have a sense of how the shooting is going by visiting sets, and they look for the best combination of performance, photography, continuity and timing. According to Payscale, the median average salary of a video editor is around $40,000 a year, and a high salary would be around $77,000. Of course, depending on what company you work for and how large the project is, these salaries can be lower or even higher.  This is not a job for those who want to be lax. But all the work leads to all the money…so start working on those editing skills!

  • STEM Careers Profile: Industrial Psychologist

    STEM Careers Profile: Industrial Psychologist

    Humans are fascinating creatures that spend most of their time in the workplace trying to make a living. Are you curious about why and how people act the way they do? Maybe psychology is the right field for you. There are many different types of psychology, but industrial psychology is one of the most continuously profitable fields. Industrial and organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, specifically in the workplace. So, let us learn a bit a more about this exciting STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

    These types of psychologists use research and evaluation methods to apply the best work methods in a company in order to make things run smoothly. Each company and organization has its issues, and often these issues involve communication, conflict resolution, processes, professional competence and effective management. The job of an industrial psychologist is to increase the productivity of employees, develop screening procedures for new applicants, and getting to the roots of workplace problems. Really, anything that has to do with performance in the workplace is the concern of an industrial psychologist. But the great thing about psychology jobs is that you do not have to stay in one place; they can work in colleges and universities and function as trainers, coaches and consultants. Industrial psychologists often work in an organization’s human resources department. But sometimes they can act as an independent consultant and get called into an organization in order to solve a specific problem. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s degree, but typically a Doctorate is preferred by hiring companies.

    While the most important thing when choosing a career is to choose something that both makes you happy and keeps you challenged and interested, psychology jobs also have a strong financial draw. According to PayScale Canada as of 2011, the average salary of a psychologist is $44, 510, and the highest salary may reach $148, 188 per year. Workplace psychology jobs also offer a fair amount security and comfort. If you like people and solving problems, this may be the field for you.