04 Mar How Marlee Fast-Tracked Her Career in Sound Engineering Without College Debt
Choosing a career after high school isn’t always easy. While many of Marlee’s peers were heading off to four-year colleges and taking on student debt, she knew she wanted something different. Inspired by her father’s work as a Live Sound Engineer, she decided to follow a similar path—but with her own twist.
Instead of enrolling in a traditional degree program, Marlee found Studio West: The Recording Arts Center, a one-year trade school specializing in sound engineering. This decision allowed her to start her career faster, without the financial burden of student loans. Now, at just 20 years old, she’s working as an Assistant Sound Engineer, gaining hands-on experience and setting her sights on an exciting future in the music industry.
Finding Her Place in Sound Engineering
Marlee grew up watching her father work in Live Sound Engineering, which involves managing audio for concerts, events, and performances in real-time. While she admired the fast-paced nature of his work, she soon realized her passion lay elsewhere.
She discovered that Studio Sound Engineering allowed her to focus on polishing and perfecting recorded sound rather than handling the high-pressure demands of live audio. In a studio environment, engineers can tweak, edit, and refine sound to achieve the highest quality, making it a great fit for those who enjoy precision and creativity.
A Fast-Track to Career Success
Trade schools offer a faster, more affordable way to enter high-demand careers, and Marlee is a perfect example of how they can accelerate success. Instead of spending four years in college and accumulating debt, she completed a one-year program and landed a job right away.
Her advice to anyone considering sound engineering?
“If you have trouble learning on your own, you can be an apprentice or go to school. I highly recommend the school route—it gives you a lot of experience. Then take every opportunity to learn.”
What’s Next for Marlee?
Though she loves her current role, Marlee isn’t stopping here. She has her sights set on becoming a Lead Sound Engineer and, eventually, stepping into the role of producer. With each project, she gains more knowledge and connections in the industry, proving that skilled trades aren’t just jobs—they are careers with real growth potential.
Explore Careers in the Trades
Marlee’s story is a reminder that skilled trades offer debt-free, fast-track opportunities that lead to long-term success and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re passionate about music, beauty, construction, or another hands-on field, there are endless possibilities to build a career you love.
If you’re ready to explore a skilled trade that fits your skills and interests, Trade Works USA is here to help. You can connect with a mentor and begin mapping out a path that aligns with your passion.
Your future in the trades is waiting, and we’re here to help guide you in the first step.