Making some noise: A Colombian transplant with a sound work ethic
Name: Francisco Ortiz Age: 38 Position: Logistic and events technician at Soundbox Productions. Job description:
My role at the company is to assist in the preparation of the audio, lighting and video equipment for all kinds of events. I set up and organize equipment in the warehouse on the days leading up to an event. I also transport equipment from the warehouse to the event space, and then I set up and make sure all equipment is working. Once the event is finished, I am part of the team that takes all the equipment down and packs it up to return it all to the warehouse.
How did you come to be in this job?
I arrived in Canada in September 2016 and enrolled in Mohawk College’s Workplace Preparation Program. It is a three-month program in which they prepare newcomers for the Canadian work culture and help them find employment in their chosen profession. Through the program, I learned how to upgrade my resumé and cover letter for Canadian employers and develop strong interview skills by practising with different techniques. This helped me feel more confident. I searched out and contacted different people who are related to my profession as a sound technician and set up informational interviews. This allowed me to learn about professional opportunities here in Hamilton and to network as well. In January, I started a one-month placement at Soundbox Productions, an event production company and now I’ve been part of the team for almost five months.
What gets you up in the morning?
Each morning I am motivated to go to work and impress my team with my work ethic and problem-solving skills. One thing that I like about my job is that the work is different every day.
Lessons learned?
It doesn’t matter how much you learn in the past, when you arrive to a new country you have to work harder and improve yourself because there are always new things to learn. It is important to get experience and be able to show your skills.
Roots: Transplant. I’m originally from Bogota, Colombia. I met my wife, a Canadian, in 2008 while she was working in Bogota. Together, we moved to the United States in 2012. We lived in Boston for four years where I worked as a sound technician with different musicians from the Boston area. Finally, in 2016 we came to Hamilton to be closer to my wife’s family.
Contacts: (email and Facebook) ortiz.francisco@outlook.com Instagram: @pachortiz Favourite place in Hamilton? The main loop at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. What would make Hamilton better? Hamilton is a great place to live. Although it’s a small city, you can find everything you need. I think Hamilton will be a better city if we find a way to integrate our community even more. What’s next for you? I will keep getting Canadian experience, showing my abilities and knowledge in every part of my job and continue working hard. Right now, I mostly work behind the scenes (event setup, equipment transport, and event takedown), but my goal is to operate the sound board at live events. If I work hard and succeed at my current roles, I hope to get a chance to prove my skills as a sound engineer. After that, I’m open to whatever is next.
This feature was co-ordinated by the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC), Global Hamilton and Workforce Planning Hamilton to highlight professionals from a diversity of backgrounds. If you know an immigrant professional or entrepreneur who would make a good candidate for this series, contact Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council at immigration.partnership@hamilton.ca