From Career Day to the ISE stage – Jasmin Thieme's path into the AV industry

What does it mean to find your place in the AV world? At the AV Career Day at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026, Jasmin Thieme told exactly that story: from her uncertain start at university to her first interviews and internships to her position at PROTONES GmbH & Co. KG. As a former participant in Career Day, she returned as a speaker and gave around 250 listeners an honest, personal insight into her career—with all its detours, doubts, and courageous decisions. Her message: Orientation comes through trial and error, and real experiences are often the strongest motivation for the next generation of AV talent.

1. What exactly was your presentation at ISE about—and why is the topic so relevant right now?

I was invited to speak as a former participant at the AV Career Day, organized by AVIXA as part of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE). In 2024, I was still a student myself and had several interviews at Career Day—one of them with Shure. Months later, I started an internship there. This year, I was invited as a "success story" to share my experiences. My five-minute presentation to an audience of around 250 was about giving students a realistic insight into the AV world – not just professionally, but personally: What does it feel like to get started? What doubts are involved? And how do you find your own path? Real stories are important, especially in an industry that is urgently looking for new talent. The degree programs are demanding, the path often seems unclear – and when you hear from someone who was in exactly the same position and has now arrived where they want to be, it can be incredibly motivating.

2. What key challenge did you address?

The degree program is very broad. You learn a lot—but often don't know what you're really good at. It's precisely this uncertainty that makes it difficult to start your career. After my internship at Shure—which was extended from one month to nine—I worked for various event technology companies. I wanted to experience events from the ground up: setting up, mixing, understanding the technology. It was incredibly educational, but at some point I realized that this wasn't what I wanted to do in the long term. After months of searching, I found my place at PROTONES GmbH & Co. KG in January 2026. And that was exactly my point: it's okay to change course.

3. What solutions or best practices did you present?

It's normal not to know right away where you want to go. You have to try things out. You have to be brave. Different cities, different teams, new tasks—all of this brings clarity. Don't be afraid of making mistakes or asking a question a third time. The AV industry is one big family where knowledge is gladly shared. Networking is crucial. Contacts open doors. And sometimes it takes courage to change: after months of unsuccessful job hunting, I spontaneously decided to move to Hamburg. Three weeks later, I had a new life. Sometimes you just have to do it.

4. Were there any practical examples from our environment?

Due to the limited speaking time, only to a limited extent. However, I explained what PROTONES is achieving in the cruise ship sector—a topic that was met with great enthusiasm by the audience.

5. Why were you invited as a speaker?

Because I myself was a participant in Career Day—and my path exemplifies what such formats can achieve.

6. Was it your first stage performance at an international level?

It was my second time. Last year, I spoke in Spanish at a smaller event. This year, it was in English, in front of a larger audience and in the professional setting of ISE. I was nervous—but it was authentic. Standing on stage and feeling genuine interest from the audience was an incredibly good feeling.

7. What significance does this topic have for the industry—and for PROTONES?

The AV industry needs young talent and diversity. Many companies still focus on very traditional profiles. This mindset needs to change. Events such as AV Career Day bring students and companies together directly. They show that the new generation is ready to take on responsibility—even without 20 years of professional experience. At PROTONES, skills, attitude, and development potential are what count. This is exactly how a modern industry should work.

Jasmin Thieme's story shows that career paths are rarely straightforward—and that is precisely where their strength lies. From her first interview as a student to becoming a speaker on the international stage, she has come full circle, inspiring others to have the courage to try new things, to question the status quo, and to start afresh.

The AV Career Day was once an opportunity for her. Today, she stands on stage herself and inspires others. This highlights the importance of encounters, openness, and confidence in one's own potential for development—both for individuals and for the industry as a whole.

The future of the AV world is created where experience meets curiosity, where companies offer young talent real prospects, and where people have the courage to go their own way. Jasmin Thieme is an example of how this path is not only possible—it can be the beginning of something bigger.