Breaking into the audio job market

Ender

Is it just me or are job openings at audio component brand or manufacturing companies rare or basically non-existent? Do you have to know someone who knows someone who is the uncle of someone you know who is the CFO of an audio component company to get a job in these places? Rotel, Polk, Sunfire, Ascend, Outlaw, NAD, B&K, B&W, JL Audio, JBL, GMA, etc.

Most medium to large companies I know have at least an application process online. Audio component companies have nothing of the sort.

mantis

Right now is a tuff time to get into our business. Most companies are laying off. It's sad but it's how it is.
I got into the business by being asked to apply at a local retail store. Then once your on the inside, your options start to open up.
if it's your dream to work in the industry, then by all means chase it. look to companies like Cedia also to get a start.

Dan

dave shepard

You must be young. I say that because of the problems this and other countries are involved in right now and for a long time to come. I would suspect to see more Co.'s to be closing their doors like NHT and CC did, it is very sad but that is my guess, BB will be next I'm sure.
Audio is not something people need to survive it is something of a luxury and those things are the first to be affected in a economic desaster.
I don't mean to burst your bubble but the writing is on the wall. My area is hit very bad.
I really do wish you luck if that is something you would like to do.
A degree in electronics would be very helpful also.

Dave

Ender

Well, I am currently chasing after a CPA license and that's what I would like to do in a company... be an internal auditor or controller or something (I like the consulting side of business), but I was also thinking about grabbing a degree in EE or electronics after I got the CPA license.

Ultimately, I just want to work for an audio component company where I am exposed to this stuff day and night and I get to live it.

nooshinjohn

why not start your own?

zingo

If you just want to run the books, I'm sure you could get a gig doing that, especially if you have your CPA. Do you have any local audio companies you could latch onto?

Ender

Oh, I plan to eventually... but getting some experience would have been nice before I start. Lots of business starters first get experience in a company that is already doing well to see what they do and see what they can improve on it. I know that's how Outback Steakhouse started (the two who started Outback was working in high management in Chili's and decided they could do better) because I know a sister of one of the founders. And the more I read about the entrepreneurs of different audio companies, the more I see that most of them started from another audio company.

As for a local audio company... the only one that is in California that makes speakers is Ascend Acoustics. And there's one local audio retailer I have never had the chance to visit. But that's about it. I think everyone buys online so the audio companies allocate themselves to cheaper areas around the country (*cough* Maryland *cough*).