In this insightful interview, we sit down with a seasoned expert, Swati Mandavra currently serving as a Senior Manager of Design & Estimation at Havi Design India LLP.  Her journey into the AV domain began through a pivotal campus placement at Hi-Tech Audio Systems Pvt. Ltd., shortly after earning a B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication.

We explore her inspiration for obtaining the renowned Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification—a prestigious credential that aligns with her passion for expanding technical knowledge and advancing professional recognition. Supported by mentors and employers, she successfully achieved the certification, which has become a crucial asset in her career.

What’s your current role, and how did you begin working in the AV industry?
I am currently working as a Senior Manager – Design & Estimation at Havi Design India LLP. My journey in the AV industry began with a campus placement at Hi-Tech Audio Systems Pvt. Ltd., a leading system integration company. This opportunity came right after I completed my B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication. That initial role laid the foundation for my career in the professional AV domain.

2. What inspired you to pursue the CTS certification, and how did it align with your career goals?
From the very beginning of my career, I had a keen interest in expanding my technical knowledge and staying up to date with industry advancements. I first learned about the CTS certification through colleagues and the AVIXA platform. I saw it as a valuable credential that would not only deepen my expertise but also enhance my professional recognition. With encouragement and support from Sennheiser, I decided to pursue the certification and was proud to clear the exam on my first attempt.

3. In what ways has the CTS certification helped you in your current role or professional journey overall?
The CTS certification has been incredibly valuable. It distinguishes me from my peers and validates my understanding of AV principles and industry standards. It has given me greater confidence in my technical abilities and has positively impacted both my current role and long-term career growth.

4. Can you provide an example of a project where your CTS knowledge directly contributed to its success?
The knowledge I gained through the CTS certification supports me at every stage of a project. For instance, during a recent installation, my CTS knowledge guided me through the entire workflow—from site surveys and solution design to customer engagement, technical drawings, project execution, and post-sales support. The structured approach and standardization that CTS promotes were instrumental in ensuring the project's success and delivering a professional outcome.

5. What role do you believe CTS-certified professionals play in advancing industry standards and best practices?
CTS-certified professionals play a crucial role in elevating the standards and best practices of the AV industry. Holding a CTS certification means that an individual possesses a solid understanding of AV technologies, tools, and global standards. This collective knowledge helps raise the overall quality of services and solutions delivered across the industry.

6. Are you considering pursuing further certifications, such as CTS-D or CTS-I?
Yes, I am particularly interested in pursuing the CTS-D (Design) certification. I am passionate about the design aspect of AV systems and believe this next step will further strengthen my capabilities in creating innovative, efficient, and standards-compliant AV solutions.

7. What advice would you give to someone contemplating the CTS certification today?
I would strongly encourage anyone interested in the AV field to pursue the CTS certification. It not only enhances your technical knowledge but also builds credibility and opens up new professional opportunities. With dedication and proper preparation, the certification is absolutely achievable—and well worth the effort.