Should I Become A Boom Operator (One Minute Quiz)

Alyssa Omandac

Career Quiz and Most Suitable Personality

Boom Operators

Boom Operators Boom Operators are responsible for keeping a microphone in position during filming for film, television, or news productions. The microphone is typically attached to a boom pole, allowing the Boom Operator to position the mic near the Actors or people speaking on camera.

Salary
$48000
Education
No degree required
Personality
Interest Match



Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.Confucius

Table of contents
  1. Career Quiz
  2. Suitable Personality Type
  3. Pros and Cons

Career Quiz

In this career quiz, there are 8-10 questions that will give you a pretty good perspective on whether this career is right for you.

There are 3 answers to each question: Dislike, Maybe, and Like.

Answer “Like / Yes” if you tell yourself “Yes! I would love do this” or “Yeah, I’m that type of person”.
Answer “Okay / Maybe” if you tell yourself “Umm…I think I will be okay with that”.
Answer “Dislike / No” if you tell yourself “Ugh…Sounds boring” or “No way!”.

Ready? Let’s start!

Question Yes Maybe No
Are you interested in choosing the right location for mics when recording?
Would you enjoy operating a boom pole or fisher boom?
Can you manage and prepare microphones based on the environment?
Do you have the patience needed to operate a boom pole for long periods?
Do you possess the attention to detail needed to stay aware of your surroundings?
Are you able to listen to others and follow instructions?
Do you have the physical dexterity needed to hold equipment for hours?
Are you interested in becoming a Production Sound Mixer?

Your Results

Done?

Now count how many points you have.

Dislike = 0 point
Okay = 1 point
Like = 2 points

After you’re done counting your points. Click below to view your results.


Suitable Personality Type

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. You can read more about these career personality types here.

Boom Operators should have a lot of patience, as they are required to hold a pole for long periods while keeping the microphone out of the line of sight of the camera. Attention to detail is also important due to the variety of moving parts and people involved in typical video production projects.

You should have good listening and communication skills, which are needed for understanding the instructions of your Sound Mixer or supervisor. Along with these personality traits, you also need a strong back and upper body strength to hold the boom pole steady.

Pros and Cons

Pros

You May Get to Work on Film Sets

Boom Operators with the right connections may work on big-budget film productions, allowing you to see celebrities and other stars.

Your Work May Take You to Interesting Locations

The variety of projects that you work on may allow you to visit places you have never visited.

You Get to Read Scripts Early

Boom Operators are often given access to scripts, giving you a chance to read stories before they reach the public.

Provides a Path to Becoming a Sound Mixer

Sound Mixers often start as Boom Operators. Working as a Boom Operator can provide the experience and connections needed to advance your career.

Cons

Working as a Boom Operator Can Be Boring

The limited role of the Boom Operator can be a little tiring during a long day on the set.

You May Not Feel Like Part of the Team

Boom Operators are often underappreciated for their work, which can be discouraging.

Don’t know which career to pursue?

Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.

Take The Career Quiz