As an educator, people often ask me, “what non-linear editing software should I learn?” The quick answer is whichever one you can get access to the fastest and begin your journey. The long answer is you need to think about where you want to end up in your career. My career took me from Avid

to Final Cut Pro,

back to Avid, back to Final Cut Pro, and then to Premiere Pro.

I use Premiere Pro exclusively now. If your drive is Hollywood, then Avid should be a priority.  A lot of production houses use Avid as well, so it’s a fantastic platform to have under your belt.

Adobe Premiere Pro is my current non-linear editor.  I love the platform, and I see it everywhere.  Movies, while not as many as Avid, are cut on Premiere Pro.  Various news stations edit on Premiere Pro.  I teach Premiere Pro.  I think this is the best program to begin your journey if your new to video editing.  The jump from Premiere Pro to Avid is an easy one as the overall ideas and execution of edits are somewhat similar on both systems.

I do think it’s essential to know at least two non-linear systems.  I would recommend Avid & Premiere Pro.