Certifications Bring Success For A Baltimore Technology Lover
Harry Meade who is a senior design engineer with CCS Mid Atlantic, in Columbia, Md. is a case in point. Meade will be the first to point out that he has risen to his current level of success based on his industry experience and certifications rather than a college degree. Meade's specialty is one of the new hybrids: it's called Professional Audio Visual or ProAV; and there is no college degree per se although there are numerous certifications and training's
Meade has a lengthy resume behind him. He has worked in the field for about 10 years and has the Crestron DMC-E engineering certification and the Infocomm International Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and Certified Technology Specialist – Design (CTS-D) certifications.
When asked how he came to be in Pro AV, Meade describes himself as a kid who was always interested in technology, who did the lights for the school plays, volunteered at the local county cable access channel in high school; who became familiar with broadcast and video recording.
He says he eventually got a job as a film-to-video transfer technician and was so terrible at it, he got himself fired. But, he had been very good at fixing equipment and putting things back together. So, a few years later, when the same business owner needed someone for a new audio-visual integration business, he came to Meade!
When asked about how his educational background relates to his current role, Meade responds that he spent a year in college focusing on general studies which has not really impacted his career. Rather, he feels his industry certifications have been the most important; and have served him well.
He cites government work where a scale is used to determine credentials based less on formal education especially in certain 'emerging' industries such as his; rather experience and industry certifications are stressed as job qualifications.
Meade also emphasizes the importance of learning on the job in a new field such as AV integration. He has learned to design functional systems and also manages a staff of other design engineers. He also contributes to podcasts and is on the Board of Directors of an industry media group.
Regarding advice for those thinking about Professional AV Integration as a career; Meade explains that the field is best suited to those with IT, broadcast or communications backgrounds. Application may also be made at a local AV integrator, at Infocomm International or go to National Systems Contractors Association for more information.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.