A Look at Careers in the Technology Integration Field

Over the past few years, you likely ran across many articles in the media and business press about how hard it was to hire people. The hiring difficulty spanned many industries, from difficulty finding help in service fields in the wake of the pandemic to the challenges in hiring for specialized areas like chip design and AI software development.

As a technology integrator, we haven't been immune to the challenges of finding the right people. In this blog, we're going to take a slightly different approach than our typical posts; instead of describing a service or solution we offer, we're going to delve into what types of roles we hire. If you're a client or a potential, we hope it will help you better understand the value of hiring a professional integrator. If you are interested in a career in the technology integration industry, even better—we're always looking for great people! Read on to learn more about careers as an AV technician or other types of roles in this field in Salt Lake City. 

SEE ALSO: How to Choose a Smart Home Company

What Does a Technology Integrator Do?

While we've touched on this before in previous blogs, it's worth setting the stage. Our business is focused on designing and implementing customized AV entertainment and home technology solutions for our clients. On the AV side, that includes products and solutions like high-performance audio, home theater, media rooms, whole-home audio, distributed whole-home video, and more. On the home technology front, that includes professional-grade networking, smart security and surveillance, home automation, lighting control, lighting systems, motorized shading, outdoor audio and video, and more. 

As you can see, this is a robust and varied set of technologies. Today’s products, especially in audio and video, use a mix of digital and analog technology. Our AV technicians need to have a wide set of skills and knowledge to configure and install modern entertainment solutions. Home automation systems require complex programming, a specialized skill critical for successful projects. 

What Types of Roles Do We Hire?

Here are the main roles that are important to running a successful technology integration firm. Naturally, based on the size of the firm, the number of people in these roles will vary:

Technician/Installer: These are the hands-on folks who make the magic happen. Working under direct supervision, they handle the wiring and installation of various electronic systems, from audio-visual setups to smart home devices. Their expertise ensures that the tech infrastructure is not just functional but also safe and efficient.

Designer/Engineer: This role is for creative minds who actively participate in the design and engineering of electronic systems. They're responsible for crafting the blueprint of the system, ensuring that it meets both functional and aesthetic requirements. They may also handle documentation, ensuring every detail is accounted for.

Project Manager: The orchestrators of the operation, project managers provide overall management across multiple projects. Their tasks include everything from communication and coordination to scheduling and materials management. They're the glue that holds the project together, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Programmer: These tech-savvy individuals create the user interface and develop the code that makes the systems tick. They specialize in overlay control systems and may also program lighting control systems, distributed audio systems, and universal remote controls. Their work makes the user experience intuitive and enjoyable.

Sales: Last but not least, the Sales team is the face of the company, responsible for selling custom electronic system design and installation services. They establish and nurture relationships with key players like architects, designers, and home builders to drum up future business. They're also adept at developing and presenting system proposals that meet clients' needs.

Careers in Technology Integration

What does it take to be successful in our business? It’s not necessarily a college degree. More important are a passion for technology and AV products, a desire to serve clients well, and the ability to learn new things and sometimes wear multiple hats. It does help to have previous experience in the above areas or credentials from industry organizations such as CEDIA. Integration firms vary in size, but most are small businesses, so a willingness to roll up your sleeves and do many things is a key attribute. It's what we look for, and we think it makes our business thrive. 

If you are interested in a career in technology integration, please reach out. And if you are looking for an AV or smart technology solution for your home or business, we’d love to hear from you!