Questionnaire regarding mix engineers

[Forsaken Endeavors]

Hello KVR forum.
I have long lingered in the back reading through the forum, but I've never actually posted anything (so i hope you don't find this too cheeky considering it's a bit time consuming). I will probably post this Q&A on Gearslutz as well, as i usually find forums the best source of info. Any help is much appreciated.

I am currently studying Sound Production at college and as part of my years project I am to give a 15 minute presentation on why I am suitable to fulfill the role of a mix engineer. I am wondering if you would be able to spend 5-10 minutes filling out this questionnaire as any feedback I do get regarding these questions will only aide me in receiving the highest possible grade. Unfortunately the presentation is judged less on the practical skills I posses, but more on my researching capabilities as the project's grade is used as the main indicator for universities to asses whether I am a suitable candidate for them.

1. What personal qualities do you think are necessary to become a competent mixing engineer ?
2. What would an employer look for in an applicant for this post ? (If the scenario was that of trying to gain employment within a studio facility)
3. What skills do you think are essential for being a mixing engineer ?
4. In today’s industry, how important is a knowledge of outboard gear ?
5. With the rise of digital technology and the availability and ease of acquiring professional audio software, how has the job market changed for you ? i.e. how much dependency is there to work within a studio facility as opposed to working from a home studio for obtaining a meaningful income within this field ?
6. If possible, a brief explanation of how you go about mixing a track ?
7. How did you gain employment within the industry and from this, is there any advice you could give to someone starting out ?
8. Finally, is there any wee tips or tricks you could give that you have learn through your experience as a mix engineer, be it a practical skill, overall view on mixing, personal development, etc.

[tapper mike]

It isn't about why another person is suited for the job. It is why you are suited for the job.

[Forsaken Endeavors]

Yes but the point of the project is to research skills, personal attributes, etc from people that have experience and compare them to my own skills, where I am then expected to show a personal development of these skills and attributes. At the end of the day, having only had experience from working in the college studios and working with a small group of bands, I have a limited scope of what is needed to take this further as a career. Plus this is also meant to be an exercise in research and showing I can take on a large project which is why the grade I get from this is important for showing universities I will be able to handle the academic work as well as the practical.