Today we’d like to introduce you to Ormilla Vengersammy.
Hi Ormilla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I hope as you read this article, you will be inspired by my story as I walk you through my career journey. I would like for you to know that it’s okay to set big goals for yourself even if you have no idea where the road will lead you. My experiences have taught me to always be passionate about the things I love to do, to be curious so I can continue to learn and grow, and to be resilient in times of difficulties and setbacks. As I reflect on my life journey, I see a strong, independent, and goal-oriented individual who does not turn down opportunities to fulfill her life purpose.
I’ve learned over the years that to grow at any turning point in my professional journey, first I need to plant the seed and start small. Where I choose to work must be of value to me, the company, and those I serve. I grew up surrounded by educators – my parents, uncles, and close family friends were primarily teachers. I learned the value of education at an early age, but I could not see myself as a teacher in a classroom five days a week, grading homework and managing 25-30 kids. My dad instilled in me and my siblings that right after high school we must continue our educational journey to attain our undergraduate and then master’s degrees. I recalled secretly counting the total number of years that I would be in school and contemplated whether that was the path I really wanted to take. I completed my last year in high school just a few months before my 17th birthday. From high school, I went to a business college in New York City to pursue my undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems. I chose to major in that field because I was fascinated and curious by the emerging technology during that time. I had no idea that my desire to learn about computers would have an impact on my career choice.
I will admit that I was not an A student! As a matter of fact, I was barely a B student. Thinking of a master’s degree at age 21 after attaining my undergrad degree was far down my to-do list. By my senior year, the only work experience I had was odd jobs on the school campus. I was ready to get into the workforce. I no longer had the desire to learn in the classroom. I wanted to learn on the job! During my last semester, I decided to work in the career center at the college. I was thrilled that I would be the first to see all the job postings, but only to find out that I was underqualified for most because of my lack of work experience. I recalled being a bit anxious and at the same time excited to face the unknown. I recalled reasoning with myself not to worry because finding a career path was like choosing a college major. Before I chose a major, I had to explore different course tracks to see what I liked. Therefore, I would need to explore the different types of jobs before choosing a career. I knew I had to start at the bottom because a degree would not get me where I wanted to be without experience. So, I challenged myself and came up with a 10-year plan which I was determined to attain by my early 30s. My short-term goal was to gain as much work experience in the business sector, and my long-term goal was to become a leader of leaders!
During the ninth year of my 10-year plan, I worked for six different companies: not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, big and small. As I moved from one position to the next, I developed my computer and business skills. Each position was a step higher than the next. I accepted roles that challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. I took every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and seek advice. I volunteered to take on projects that were beyond my job description without asking to be compensated. I found that I loved helping others to build their confidence in using computer software and to find solutions to enhance their productivity. My career took a turning point when I decided to take on the role of a software trainer for a large training company. There I was in a classroom, teaching adults about computer systems and software. Yes, I was an educator, after all! It was my destiny. If you’re wondering, yes, my dad (the teacher) was proud of my career choice.
My story does not end there. But to sum it up, my two years as a software trainer prepared me for my next ventures. I’ve had the privilege of launching and leading several educational initiatives from the ground up for three organizations throughout my career. By my mid-thirties I attained my second goal: I became a leader of leaders! I discovered that I enjoyed developing creative learning experiences. That’s when I decided to go for my master’s degree in Instructional Design to expand my knowledge. At the peak of my career, I accomplished another goal to own a computer software training business which I did on the side for two years. Today, I have over 20 years of experience in leadership and curriculum development using adult-learning theories and methodologies in creating instructor-led training programs. I enjoy coaching and mentoring students through their career planning, something I wish I had in my college days. However, because I experienced setbacks and challenges, I was able to give sound advice and encouragement to others that walked the path I did.
My career journey was not all my doing! Yes, I had the drive to succeed, but without the connections I’ve made, and the relationships I’ve built, I would not have been able to do it all alone. I am where I am today because of the strong mentors in my past and present work life that challenged me, coached me, trusted me, and guided me. I’ve made lifetime connections and am very grateful for each one that saw the fire in me!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I cannot say it was a smooth road, nor can I say that I didn’t have any major struggles along the way. But what I can say is that I was able to approach obstacles and challenges in a way that transformed them into growth opportunities.
Opportunities to learn new skills, knowledge, and behaviors so over time it allowed me to take control of difficult situations and turn them into something positive. After graduating from college, I had very little work experience. I already knew that was a strike against me, plus I was a female and a minority eager to work in a big city that was very competitive. So, at age 21 with a B.B.A in Computer Information Systems in hand, I welcomed the opportunities to gain new skills and work experiences.
My first job in the workforce was a 10-week paid internship with a marketing company, and then I took on a one-year temp position with a healthcare conglomerate, both positions were in clerical roles. During that time, while I mastered clerical skills, I interviewed for several positions and was turned down due to a lack of work experience or being overqualified due to having an undergraduate degree. I was told by recruiters that I needed work experience even for an entry-level administrative position.
As doors closed new doors opened allowing me to be selective in the type of company I wanted to work for next. For six months I was persistent with my job search. Each interview made me a stronger candidate for the next interview because it helped me to build up my confidence by seeking out the skills recruiters were looking for. Resilience is key to being successful, not giving up due to setbacks, but being able to bounce back and look at every challenge as a learning experience to grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Four and a half years ago, I accepted the position as Director of Academic Programs for The CoiL Learning Center (CoiL), the educational unit that falls under the parent company, Entertainment Technology Partners (ETP). After parting ways at my previous job of sixteen years with a non-profit organization in downtown Orlando, my desire was to get back into the business sector to pursue adult learning and development. As an educator, it meant a lot to me to work for a company that aligned with my values. When I learned about ETP and CoiL, it reawakened the fire in me.
Finding a company that has a dedicated learning center for its employees and the community is rare to find. And even more enticing, it was an AV rental and installation company.
CoiL is an acronym for Continuous Improvement and Learning, but it also represents the first thing most people working in our industry learn—how to coil a cable. I work with a team to create and develop learning experiences for our internal and external training programs. The course tracks include classes on leadership, A/V, Office Productivity software, wellness, soft skills, and the list goes on. We also offer programs that reach well outside our walls that do not require the participants to stay with the company, but rather to go forward into the wider industry.
The external programs offered through CoiL are available to our clients, educational partners, and those interested in getting their feet into the industry. These programs include Production Bootcamp, Tech Apprenticeship, Stagehand Bootcamp, Flex Force, and the Professional Internship Program, all helping to bridge that gap and answer the questions of how you get started in the entertainment industry. Here at CoiL, we help to connect those dots. Whether it is internal employee training for professional and personal development, or outreach and education partnerships to train and bring new people into the industry, the programs offered by CoiL help to build confidence, build skills, and find leadership qualities that prepare individuals to succeed as they start out or continue their career path.
I am most proud of our internship and apprenticeship programs because they offer students to gain real world on the job experience that requires little or no industry experience. It is competitive to get into these programs because we look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and have the desire to learn new skills. This is not just a job, it’s an educational program where we provide on-the-job training and mentorship for students to help them in their career journey. At CoiL, I work among individuals who are creative, innovative, and eager to work on the next best thing.
It is clear that anyone involved in CoiL passionately believes in our mission to “Lead modestly, teach generously, and learn intently. I believe that every individual is destined to be a leader. Being a leader is not about the title, but the individual who is willing to lead by sharing their knowledge, skills, and ability with others. Whether for personal or professional growth, learning never stops!
How do you define success?
For me, success is the people I have impacted, the lives that I helped to transform for the better, and seeing others make good decisions because of my influence. This reflection of success is true for both my professional life and personal life.
Pricing:
- Career Coaching and Mentorship – FREE
- Stagehand Bootcamp – FREE
- Internship and Apprenticeship Programs – We pay you to learn!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coillearningcenter.com/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ovengersammy
Image Credits
Entertainment Technology Partners
