Get to know: Tristen Van Biljon
How did you get started in your career?
When I turned 18, I was offered a role at Wolfson College that combined working as an AV technician with supporting the Catering team. It gave me a great introduction to both the technical and hospitality sides of events, and I quickly realised how much I enjoyed being part of making things run smoothly for clients.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I genuinely enjoy problem-solving. If there’s a tech challenge, whether it’s a connection issue, a piece of equipment not behaving, or helping someone unfamiliar with the setup, I love being the person who can step in, figure it out, and make the experience seamless for clients and colleagues.
Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I practise Judo twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays. It’s a great way to stay active and keep my mind sharp. I’m also a big fan of horror films; there’s something about a well-crafted scare that I really enjoy.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
I was born in Durban, South Africa, and moved to the UK when I was 10 years old. It’s a part of my story that not everyone knows, but it’s shaped a lot about who I am.
Are there any upcoming projects you are excited about at work?
We’re currently exploring different PTZ camera options for Study Centre Suite 1, Study Centre Suite 2, and the Lecture Theatre. It’s a major upgrade that will significantly improve the quality of our event recordings. The new system will even allow automatic presenter-tracking, which will make the whole experience smoother and more professional. I’m really excited to see how this develops.
What made you want to work at the Møller?
I wanted to build more experience in the audio-visual field while still being involved in the IT side of things. The Møller Institute offered the perfect balance, somewhere I could grow, learn from a skilled team, and work in a high-quality environment.
How would you say your co-workers would describe you?
I think my colleagues would say I’m someone who’s always keen to learn and improve. I like to pick up new skills, explore better ways of doing things, and stay curious about the latest tech.
Do you have any word of advice for others in your field or newcomers to the industry?
Always stay open to learning. Whether it’s discovering a new way to set up equipment or finding a different approach to supporting a conference, there’s always something evolving in this field. The more adaptable and curious you are, the better you’ll do.
Do you have any interesting previous job experience?
Before joining the Møller Institute, I spent seven years at Wolfson College working as an Audio Visual Technician and Catering Assistant. It gave me a strong foundation in both technical work and customer service, which has been invaluable in my role today.