I started in video production back in the early 90's. Grass Valley switchers and 3/4 - then BetacamSP. Moved to just editing, and then to AVID for commercial and docs. I was the forum host for AVID for years.
Now...So much has changed. One of the things I see (not surprisingly) is all the mistakes you see on even network TV, not to mention local stuff. And forget youtubers - ha! (and yes, Dave is guilty of so many of them)
My advice is that you have a real understanding of the old standards. The new stuff is easy - and when you mess up, so forgiving.
Setup, and black level, interlacing, lighting, sound and such. The very basics. So many guys new to video don't get it at all. How can you not understand setup/pedestal!?!?!?
I wouldn't suggest you focus on one area (BE or a technical director) - you'll need to be a jack of all trades to get a good job. The job you want is where you know 99% of everyone's job, and keep the balls in the air, while a bunch of $10/hour people do most of the work. That's how most TV stations run these days. There is *one* guy that knows his stuff, and the rest are college students. Sad but true.
Directing is an art form, and once you get into your groove, you'll be amazed at how fun it is. Same with mixing audio for large venues. It's a huge kick in the pants. Heck, even large venue AV stuff is fun. Take over a venue, run a few miles of cable, lights, audio. I did that for a while, and it's so fun. If you're young and single, join a road show for a summer - it will blow your mind.
Again, you want to me multi-talented. You should know how to edit, and how to mix live - just knowing the tech stuff, you'll be replaced by a cable someday with a new standard. Having a talent, then you'll have a job.