CTS Spotlight Series: Journey and Insights from Certified Technology Specialists
In this insightful interview, we learn about the career journey and professional insights from Ashish Barje, Product Manager, Commercial Loudspeakers at JBL Professional, part of Harman's Global Product Line Management team.
Barje shares how he inadvertently began their career in the AV industry, starting as an R&D assistant for cinema products, and later transitioning through roles in system integration and manufacturing within the AV sector. He highlights the CTS certification's role in refreshing the knowledge of AV concepts, which are often forgotten over time. He emphasizes the importance of CTS-certified professionals in advancing industry standards.
What’s your current role and how did you start working in the AV industry?
Currently I work as Product manager - Commercial Loudspeakers for JBL Professional. I am part of Harman's GPLM (Global Product line management) group. As a team we are responsible for maintaining our current product portfolio of commercial loudspeakers as well as introducing new products as per market requirements.
Since I started working in a small company as an R&D assistant for cinema products, you can say I started my career in AV industry... unknowingly though. Later my journey included System Integration company and Manufacturer... both in AV again
What inspired you to pursue the CTS certification and how did it align with your career goals?
I was first introduced to CTS in 2012 through Harman when I did attend a prep course. I was very interested in the certification, but I was under the assumption that my role then did not need it. When switching to GPLM role in Harman, I revisited CTS because now I was really getting in the Commercial Audio space and wanted to understand the installer's side better. This certification may not help in my career path at Harman immediately but I believe will definitely help me position as an AV professional in the industry.
In what ways has the CTS certification helped you in your current role or in your professional journey overall?
The certification helped me revisit the learning and concepts in AV which one tends to forget over time.
What role do you believe CTS-certified professionals play in advancing industry standards and best practices?
I believe CTS is a fundamental certification which every AV professional should strive to attain early in their career path. This certification will help mould the right mind-set and perspective which will make them professionals in a true sense. In fact, employers should ask for this certification from new employees to make sure they hire good talent.
Are you considering pursuing further certifications, such as CTS-D or CTS-I? (if applicable)
Not at the moment.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating the CTS certification today?
One should definitely go for this certification if he/she wants to pursue a serious career in AV. This certification forms the bedrock on top of which one can build specialty skills to progress. The person from any field be it tech support, application or sales, should take this certification. It will help them immensely understand the AV world with focused vision and clear many doubts.
Monisha Devaiah
(She/Her)
Marketing Manager -APAC, AVIXA
I lead AVIXA’s APAC marketing and communications initiatives, which include member communication, vertical market events, educational programmes and AVIXA’s brand presence at the association’s trade shows in the region. I look forward to making new connections on the Xchange and leverage digital as a medium to offer value to members and support the association’s commitment of being a hub for AV in the region. https://xchange.avixa.org/users/avixa
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