Encouragement of Young People in Field of Acoustics and Noise & Vibration Control

As an observer of this field for over half a century, I encourage young people with curiosity and fascination with physical things, when choosing a career, to look into the many areas of acoustics. Unfortunately, it is a field not easily visible on the surface of early 21st-century life. Thus, mentors of young people are encouraged to alert them to consider this field.

The field is greatly enhanced by its interdisciplinary nature. I believe interdisciplinary careers are where rewarding action is today and will be in the future. These careers appear not to disappear during one person’s lifetime. The field is, if anything, livelier and more exciting than it was in the 1950s when I first learned of its existence.

This is a field where people from all identities and backgrounds are more than welcome. The field increasingly needs people who speak several languages and are familiar with several cultures.

Acoustics, Noise and Vibration related work is found in many disciplines, including, but not limited to Architecture, Product Design, Specialized Building Design, Transportation Industry Design, Performance Facility Design, audiometry, psychoacoustics and studio design for music recording and rehearsal.

Those finding success in these fields include science, mathematics and engineering-oriented individuals, performing arts educated individuals interested in contributing to the design of facilities for theatre, music and dance, or film and video. People who are gifted in making things happen can find management, marketing and accounting careers in Acoustics fields. People are needed in Acoustics fields who can persuade and enable building team members to design and build facilities that will satisfy their owners and users for generations to come. People who learn the fundamentals of related fields, such as mechanical equipment and mechanical system design are in special demand, as communicators between disciplines.

Often young people choose a career in Acoustics following an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts, Performing Arts, or Arts & Sciences. Typically, many then choose a graduate degree at a university specializing in a master’s degree with a specialization in some aspect of acoustics or noise & vibration control. There are a number of options for this study, about which experienced consultants can advise. Others decide they want to work in Acoustics earlier; as they begin university studies. Either of these approaches can bring success to the individuals involved.

This field is one where consultants often have careers running from their 20s into their 80s, making meaningful contributions throughout. Techniques like the study of computer models and demonstrations such as auralization of spaces during their design are innovations that offer excitement to the field of acoustics. Computers are heavily involved in this work, including the modeling, prediction, and presentation aspects. While computers serve the field, making many processes easier and/or quicker, humans will not be replaced in this field. Human judgments and constructive relationships are key to the success of this work.

We at Acentech are ready to mentor young people wishing to consider a career in Acoustics.