In our CTS Spotlight series this week, we're catching up with Jayaram Oravil, CTS-D, CTS-I, an accomplished Audio Visual Design Engineer at EOS IT Solutions, whose journey from the world of music to cutting-edge AV technology is nothing short of fascinating. Originally forging a path in the music and film industries alongside luminaries like Lesle Lewis and Shankar Mahadevan, Jayaram had to pivot due to health concerns, leading him to the vibrant world of Pro AV installations—a field he entered almost by happenstance, thanks to timely advice from industry peers. His ambition didn't stop there; inspired by the achievements of professionals like the late Mr. Ranjith Singh, Jayaram pursued the CTS certification, a milestone that significantly enhanced his analytical and collaborative abilities.

Throughout our conversation, Jayaram shares how CTS certification not only deepened his technical expertise but also equipped him for complex projects, strengthening industry standards and communication. His story is a compelling reminder of how resilience and continuous learning can turn unexpected challenges into remarkable career milestones.

Join us as we explore the insights, inspirations, and transformative moments that have shaped Jayaram's impressive career in the AV industry.

What’s your current role and how did you start working in the AV industry? 

Currently, I work as an Audio Design Engineer at EOS IT Solutions. My journey into the AV industry has been quite an unexpected and interesting one. I began my career as an audio engineer in the music and film industry, working on films, music albums and even had the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary composer and musician Lesle Lewis, Shankar Mahadevan. However, due to some health concerns I had to leave that role in Mumbai and move to Bengaluru.

During that transition, I explored opportunities in broadcast and radio (FM channels), but nothing seemed to materialize. It was during this uncertain period that two of my audio engineering batchmates, Eshan Dhoke and Shilpa Varadharajan introduced me to the world of Pro AV installations, something I wasn’t even aware of back then. I’ll always be grateful to them for opening that door for me. Soon after, I joined AWAN India. I still remember my interview with Prasad Ellinti—he said, “I know you don’t know much about the AV industry, but I’ll give you a chance.” That opportunity meant everything. I had the privilege of being mentored by Mohan Hamal, who guided me through the fundamentals of AV, along with a fantastic team that helped me grow in this field.

What inspired you to pursue the CTS certification and how did it align with your career goals?   

While working at RST Technologies, I had the privilege of meeting Late Mr. Ranjith Singh the first Asian to achieve all three AVIXA certifications: CTS, CTS-D, and CTS-I. The way he explained the value of certification and its impact on professional growth left a lasting impression on me. It was a turning point that made me realize how important structured learning is in our field.

Another memorable experience was a casual yet insightful conversation with Mradul Sharma. He shared guidance on skill development, the significance of certifications in advancing within the AV industry, and the importance of going deeper into every aspect of our work. He even suggested listening to audiobooks to enhance communication skills (something I still need to work on! 😊).

All these experiences collectively inspired me to pursue my CTS certification and further set my sights on achieving CTS-D and CTS-I. I’m currently in the process of renewing my CTS-D and CTS-I certifications. I believe I’ve already completed the required RUs, but I continue to stay engaged with ongoing training and learning opportunities. There’s always more to explore in this evolving industry

In what ways has the CTS certification helped you in your current role or in your professional journey overall?  

Certifications have always helped me stand out in client meetings and given me a broader perspective on how things should be approached in the AV industry.

They significantly improved my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. In particular, the content provided by AVIXA especially around coordination with other disciplines and industry standards proved extremely valuable. This knowledge was especially helpful during my time as a consultant, where I had to closely collaborate with MEP, electrical teams, IT and Acoustics to ensure smooth project execution.

Can you provide an example of a project where your CTS knowledge directly contributed to its success?  

In some projects, I was also expected to provide AV consultancy inputs on power cable pathways and conduit sizing. The knowledge gained from AVIXA training helped me approach these tasks with confidence and accuracy. Another notable example was working in an acoustically challenging house of worship, where applying PAG and NAG (Potential Acoustic Gain / Needed Acoustic Gain) , Electrical power required at loudspeaker calculations proved crucial in designing effective audio solutions. There are many such instances where the concepts learned through certification have been directly applicable in my daily work. Even today, I often refer back to the CTS-D and CTS-I content whenever I encounter a complex issue or need to refresh my understanding of specific topics

What role do you believe CTS-certified professionals play in advancing industry standards and best practices? 

I believe in encouraging more professionals to pursue certification, so that we all operate with a shared understanding and speak the same "AV language." By guiding and supporting individuals on their certification journey, we not only strengthen the industry but also make collaboration and communication much more effective across teams.

 What advice would you give to someone contemplating the CTS certification today?  

A strong foundation is essential, and that's exactly what the CTS certification helps you build. It’s not just about passing or failing the exam. What truly matters is the preparation and how it shapes your understanding of the AV industry. Even if you don’t succeed on the first attempt, there’s no harm in trying again. Don’t lose confidence.

Take a moment to look back, you’re not the same person you were before you started your CTS / CTS-D / CTS-I journey. You've grown, learned, and gained new perspectives. Every step is progress, and every setback is part of the learning process. Keep going, stay focused, and best of luck!