Direct TV is a popular satellite service provider. They currently employ over 13,000 people across the country. Direct TV has been in business since 1990 and had over 15 million customers by 2005. Employees can expect to find a variety of career opportunities at Direct TV. Working with customers, clients or dealing with internal affairs, employees can expect a diverse working environment that promotes growth and teamwork.
Facts
Direct TV has locations across the United States. Careers can be found in the following areas: administrative tasks, advertising, dealing television networks, satellite service technicians, customer service, creation of promotions and discounts and computer technician personnel. Certain positions, especially those dealing with advertising, promotion and computer technicians, may require a college degree or certificate. Other careers only require applicants to hold a high school diploma. Employees working in advertising, promotion, network negotiations and as service technicians may be include travel as part of the job.
Misconceptions
A career at Direct TV doesn't necessarily mean you'll be installing satellite dishes all over the United States. Some people will work completing in-home installation and repairs, but that's not all Direct TV is about. Many believe a career at Direct TV is only for someone with little education resulting in low pay. However, whether you're installing products, taking customer calls or sitting in a board room, it's vital to know the ins and outs of all tasks involved with your chosen position, which will require some amount of training. Direct TV provides on the job training for your desired position. Compensation is competitive and can increase based on performance.
Risk Factors
Customer service personnel can include dealing with irate customers. Common issues include scheduling an installation or repair technician around a customer's schedule, not being able to repair a satellite or receiver over the phone, and problems with finding the correct programming package to fit a customer's needs. Cancellations of service may result in internal performance issues if the cancellation is a result of bad customer service.
The biggest risk are for service technicians. Installing satellite dishes on homes and poles may result in falls. Running cables could result in electric shocks. There are also the obvious risks of entering strangers' homes day after day. Another risk technicians must deal with is traffic dangers from traveling from call to call.
Benefits
Besides career choices, Direct TV also offers on the job training, skill building and educational assistance to help encourage growth within the company. Training at Direct TV helps you to learn how to negotiate with television networks, repair satellite dishes and receivers, manage computer systems and deal with customers. Direct TV employees also receive standard benefits, such as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. In addition to education and insurance, employees are also offered free Direct TV products and programming.
Types
Though service technicians are the most commonly known job as seen by the public, there are a variety of back office and operational positions. Customer service personnel help customers and potential customers understand their service and change programming. They also schedule technicians and perform over the phone tech support. Administrative personnel range from human resources to finance to administrative support positions. There are also opportunities in advertising and programming, working with networks and those looking to advertise their services and products.
