Case studies: Recording engineer: Ben

Ben graduated with a BA (Hons) in Music Technology from the London College of Music and Media (Thames Valley University) in 2005. He is currently employed as a recording engineer at the Royal College of Music.

Before I'd graduated I began sending out my CV, calling companies and actually knocking on their doors. This is the way I got my first job with a sound design and audio post-production studio. I used the same technique again and managed to secure my current job at the Royal College of Music studios.

It could be argued that there was a lot of luck involved in securing both jobs. I was in the right place at the right time. Any interview techniques or expertise were secondary to that fact. My degree in music technology was essential to obtaining my current job. At my previous job it wasn't a necessity but certainly tipped my employers in my favour over other applicants.

My typical day involves two three-hour recording sessions. In these sessions I record all genres of music or spoken word for a variety of media ranging from music CDs to music for film or radio shows. Between sessions I conduct equipment maintenance or design new systems for further audio projects.

There isn't a clear level up within my specific field. I may take on new projects like designing a new performance space that will need a PA or a permanent microphone set up but this is a different aspect of my job rather than a new job. I have no desire to become a manager as I love engineering . However, I do have a long-term ambition to own my own studio.

My previous job working in a post-production studio had a much more set hierarchy. This studio specialised in providing/creating the sound for advertising. Within this field, whatever your long-term ambitions, be it a film producer or a sound engineer, and no matter what degree you have (if any) you must start at the bottom, making the teas for your clients and colleagues who are further up the chain .

The best thing about this sector is that it brings different experiences every day; new music with new people and new challenges. The reason I enjoy this job so much is that it has always been my hobby and doesn't even feel like a 'real' job.

The most challenging parts of my job are, on the technological side, designing new systems or solving problems that may arise due to technological problems. On a social side, the most challenging thing is dealing with awkward clients. I would say at least the first 50% of this job is about learning how you deal with people and the need for them to trust you.

The advice I would give to anyone considering a career in the industry is to get your name and face known to as many companies possible by as many means as you can. The more you are visible to a company the more likely you are to get that all important first interview. To do this, you really do have to have a passion for it. If not, you won't put in the necessary effort and someone else will get the job.