Is Video Editing Right For Me?

Envision your ideal career. Does your job require you to be in the office daily, or is there flexibility to work anywhere with an internet connection? Does your schedule maintain a uniform daily flow, or do your tasks vary greatly? Do you enjoy learning new software programs? If you envision yourself in a versatile career filled with creative opportunities, the video editing profession may be right for you! Keep reading to explore the factors to consider before pursuing a video editing career. 

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.

Why Become a Video Editor? 

Becoming a Video Editor offers many opportunities in the dynamically growing digital world. This profession harnesses a unique blend of technical proficiency and creativity, making it a stimulating and rewarding career choice. As visual content continues to dominate the media landscape, the demand for skilled Video Editors is constantly rising. From movies and television to online media and advertising, Video Editors can work in various sectors, making the profession versatile and promising. Additionally, the role of a Video Editor goes beyond just technical editing; it's about storytelling. Video Editors can shape narratives, evoke emotions, and convey messages in meaningful and compelling ways. Each project brings new challenges and requires original solutions, ensuring that the work remains engaging and never mundane. Additionally, with the advent of cutting-edge editing software and technologies, the creative possibilities within this field are virtually limitless.

Lastly, the video editing profession offers fair compensation. Remuneration is commensurate with experience and skill level, making it an attractive option for those looking to make a career in video editing. The average Video Editor makes $60,000 in the United States, with top earners making over $100,000. Video Editors can also progress in their careers by expanding their skill set and working on more complex projects. Overall, the profession of a Video Editor is stimulating and rewarding, with ample growth opportunities. This could be the perfect career path for anyone interested in combining creative expression and technical proficiency.

Read more about whether Video Editor is a good career.

Team Player or Lone Wolf? 

One of the best parts of video editing is the ability to define your job. Companies across industries need Video Editors to create advertisements, educational videos, and entertainment to attract and engage existing and new audiences. With ever-growing employment opportunities, professionals have the pick of their ideal work environment. If you prefer working with or supervising large groups of people on multiple projects, you may gravitate towards a company job that employs diverse creative minds in a collaborative environment. These jobs tend to have the most structured schedule and will likely require entry-level workers to create outputs that reflect their company's brand identity. 

Video Editors who prefer to work independently may choose to pursue freelance work. While freelancers must abide by the preferences and guidelines of their clients, most clients choose freelancers based on their portfolios and unique style. However, you must be comfortable navigating strong opinions and negative feedback professionally to build a solid client base. Nevertheless, freelancing lets you control your schedule and the projects you accept. 

Creating Cohesion and Narrative Continuity 

Successful Video Editors excel at storytelling. They weave compelling narratives from disparate bits of information, captivating audiences and withstanding the critics’ skeptical eyes. While technical skills will ultimately help you acquire a job in the video editing field, being able to tell a story will ensure that you excel in the career. 

Before embarking on your video editing journey, explore opportunities and exercises that help you develop your storytelling skills. Identify the narrative arc of your favorite movie or book and see if you can create your own three-act story. Enroll in a screenwriting or fiction writing class to learn the critical milestones of narrative and character development so you can translate these skills and vocabulary to the film medium. You can even show these projects to your friends and colleagues for feedback to hone your craft. 

Computer Savvy

Video Editors rely on their skills in software programs like Audition, After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro to create their narratives and add dynamic elements that capture the audience's attention. While Video Editors learn to use these programs efficiently and effectively over time to create their ultimate vision, aspiring video editors must have a baseline understanding of the basic form, function, and ways of using a computer. Video Editors should also work to familiarize themselves with basic and advanced shortcuts, ultimately saving them time and energy as they continue to develop their skills. 

Location, Location, Location 

With the digital media industry ever-growing, potential Video Editors have ample opportunities to pursue their career. Prime Entertainment hubs like Hollywood and New York offer numerous employment possibilities with renowned companies and production studios. Smaller towns and cities are ripe, with local businesses needing engaging content, too. Aspiring Video Editors can explore work opportunities in various locations to decide which environment works best for them.

Strong Organizational and Multitasking Skills 

Video editing demands organization and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Clients and companies often expect Video Editors to produce top-tier work on tight deadlines, requiring them to prioritize and delegate tasks as necessary. Learning to keep calm under pressure and managing various personalities and projects is essential to being a successful Video Editor. Beyond their professional work, freelancers must also schedule time to manage their business's marketing and financial aspects. So, solid time management and organizational skills are a must.

While learning to create stories and build video editing skills, Video Editors should also develop these soft skills. Reading books on schedule organizing and time management, purchasing a planner, and learning from experience can help Video Editors use their resources efficiently to handle time-sensitive projects. Building a professional network to observe how fellow professionals manage time and multiple responsibilities can help you identify and develop the best action plan.

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.

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

• Video editing requires technical skills and soft skills such as organization, multitasking, and time management.
• A degree is not always required to become a Video Editor. Practical skills, creativity, and a strong portfolio often carry more weight.
• There are alternative routes into the field, such as online classes, certificate courses, internships, and apprenticeships.
• Regularly refining your skills and showcasing them in an impressive portfolio is critical for success in the video editing field.
• Noble Desktop offers resources and training opportunities for aspiring video editors, including live online and in-person courses.
• Alongside video editing software like Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro, learning about motion graphics software like After Effects or 3D animation and modeling through Cinema 4D can provide a competitive edge in the job market.
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a Video Editor through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.