Studying Audio Engineering at Husson Offers A Variety of Career Paths and Opportunities

Published on: January 8, 2024

Though Husson University is home to WHSN 89.3, a nationally recognized college radio station, studying audio engineering at Husson's New England School of Communications (NESCom) can prepare you for a variety of careers that go beyond radio. 

Here’s a look at the opportunities that await.

Finding Your Passion in Audio Engineering

Before going into the career opportunities available to students in the audio engineering program, it's worthwhile to first break down the three concentrations offered in the program: live sound production, music production, and audio engineering. 

To begin, live sound production deals with the technology and science of live sound, such as concerts or events. A live sound production professional is responsible for making sure the audio you hear at an event clear, balanced and loud enough for everyone in the audience to hear. 

Next, music production focuses on the recording of sound and music, typically in a studio setting. When you listen to a song on Spotify or the radio, it was most likely recorded and mixed by music production professionals. 

Finally, post-production covers the addition of sound and music to movies, TV, video games, virtual reality and more. From adding sound effects to a film to recording a musical to mixing sound in a production, the post-production sound professional works to ensure the audio component of media successfully meets it goals and enhances the piece.  

While there is plenty of overlap between all three concentrations, each also offers its own unique challenges and opportunities. Which sounds the most interesting to you?

Digging Into Audio Engineering Careers

To find out about the opportunities awaiting audio engineering graduates, we spoke with Mark Nason, manager of communications for Husson's School of Business and NESCom.

“We have some grads working with top tier artists,” explains Nason, “and plenty of others doing what they love at smaller capacities. It’s all valid ways they’re putting their skills to work.”

Graduates with a live sound production concentration typically go onto careers working as audio technicians for live events and performances. According to Nason, numerous grads have begun careers with Clair Global, a professional sound reinforcement and live touring production support company. Through companies like Clair Global, these live audio technology professionals have supported international artists like Harry Styles Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish, Motley Crue and more, helping these artists put on live shows that sound exceptional for their millions of fans.

Meanwhile, music production professionals typically go to work in studios, serving as recording engineers, producers, and other essential jobs supporting the recording of music and sound. NESCom grads with music production concentrations have gone on to work in famed studios like Abbey Road Studios and Electric Lady Studios, and have helped to record music for artists like Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, Beck, Adele, and many more. Some grads have even won major industry awards like Grammys and Emmys for their work. Of course, many grads choose to build sustainable and rewarding careers at smaller studios, recording sound for bands, podcasts, and more.

Finally, post-production grads have gone to work around the country, providing audio and sound for movies, television, advertising, and other media. One grad works for a Los Angeles based production company, proving dialogue replacement and dialogue editing. Other grads create soundtracks for different productions, while others work with advertising and content agencies, adding the final audio touches to ads and media.

Getting Ahead with a Degree From Husson

The success that NESCom grads have found is a testament not only to their skill and ambition, but also to the education experience they received. In particular, NESCom’s focus on experiential learning and getting hands on with professional quality tools and work environments from day one makes a tremendous difference in preparing NESCom students for success.

“The level of hands-on time you get at Husson exceeds a lot of other programs, with four years of rigorous experiential learning, Nason explains. “Students here are producing events, recording sound, working with video and film department on features. They are doing professional level work before they even graduate.”

That direct experience and focus on doing the work means that NESCom grads are well-prepared to face and overcome any challenge they face as they embark on their careers.  

If you’re looking to follow in that path and build a career in audio engineering, we invite you to request info or apply today. Whether you’re interested in live sound, working in a studio, or providing audio to media in post-production, you’ll be joining a varied and distinguished company of Husson grads making a big noise in the world of sound.