Sometimes, starting can be the hardest thing. In a world of endless options, numerous distractions, and pressures to succeed, it can be challenging to know what move to make. Yet, as philosopher Lao Tzu famously advised, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
UC San Diego Extended Studies alumna, Vanessa Gong, is a testament to the power of taking the first step to create a powerful impact.
Her career advancement journey, which began with a simple Google search in hopes of developing her career skills, led her to a series of courses and, ultimately, the HVAC Systems Design and Control certificate program.
Gong's educational experiences transformed her professional life in ways she hadn't anticipated. By opening the door to new skills, knowledge, and connections, she propelled herself forward on an exciting trajectory that created possibilities and reshaped her career, one step at a time.
Taking the First Step
In 2017, Gong was a young project leader looking to gain more knowledge in her field without the commitment of full-time schooling. Her first move was an internet search to investigate training options. That simple step led her to UC San Diego Extended Studies, where she initially enrolled in courses related to project management.
However, as she explored the Extended Studies educational offerings available to her, it was the HVAC Systems Design and Control Program coursework that captured her interest. Gong knew that securing a solid understanding of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and functions would exponentially enhance the skill set of an emerging project leader in the construction industry.
"I wanted to enroll in the program because I was the youngest person on my team," Gong shared. "I figured it would be really good to have some background knowledge in HVAC system design."
Since UC San Diego Extended Studies offered a program to earn an HVAC certificate in engineering, Gong took the leap at an opportunity to acquire practical information and skills. It's always a gamble to invest your time and resources in a new direction, but she felt assured this approach would provide a valuable stepping stone in her professional life.
This decision proved to be pivotal in Gong’s career, as it allowed her access to knowledge and tools she could immediately apply in her job and build her authority.
Real-World Application and Professional Growth
One of the most significant aspects of Gong’s experience in the HVAC Systems Design and Control Program was the emphasis on real-world application. She recalled how the program's structure, particularly the final projects, facilitated collaboration with peers on client-based solutions.
The instructor, she said, "had our class partner with each other, and then we actually did some class projects with local hospitals."
Leveraging her personal network, Gong helped her project group connect to a director at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles to get approval to use the renowned healthcare facility for her team's HVAC design project to develop a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
The project was not only a successful class collaboration, but it also won first place with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), a local utility company. The recognition Gong and her team received from SDG&E was a significant academic achievement. But, it also yielded professional benefits, leading to a job promotion at her current company—from Construction Manager to Senior Construction Manager—within a year.
"I really believe it's due to taking these classes,” Gong reflected about her career advancement.
Passionate Instructors and Lifelong Learning
For Gong, the true highlight of the HVAC Systems Design and Control program was the quality and commitment of the instructors, who bring expertise and enthusiasm to their subject matter.
"The instructors are really keen about their professions, and they translate their passion to the students," she said, noting that the positive energy is contagious: "Then, all of a sudden, you become a fan of the subject."
She fondly remembers Frank Shadpour, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and owner of a heating, ventilation, and design company, who teaches a number of HVAC courses in the HVAC Systems Design and Control Program and Facilities Management Professional Certificate. Shadpour’s robust industry experience and enthusiastic encouragement for students to pursue PE licensure left a lasting impression on Vanessa. Even for those who didn't plan to become licensed engineers, the practical knowledge gained from the program was invaluable.
"These instructors that are part of this Extended Studies program are phenomenally passionate," Gong added. "They love teaching, and they want their students to be better than they were the day before."
Next Steps: A Commitment to Continuous Learning
Gong's journey with UC San Diego Extended Studies didn't end with her HVAC certificate. Inspired by the success and job promotion she earned after completing the program, she is eager to continue her education.
"My next step after taking such a wonderful program at UC San Diego Extended Studies is to take more classes," Gong said. "I got two promotions from being in Extended Studies last time, so what's next for me? I'm not sure, yet, but I know that there's a class out there for me…"
Gong's enthusiasm for UC San Diego Extended Studies is evident not only in her personal commitment to lifelong learning but also in her advocacy of high-quality, reputable education for others.
"I would definitely recommend this certificate program to my friends. Actually, I've already mentioned it to about 20 different friends this year," she shared. "I rave about the fact that it's UC San Diego."
Conclusion: Dare, Dream, Do
Gong's story is a shining example of the transformative power of education and the impact of professional certificate programs. Her journey from a young project leader to a Senior Construction Manager illustrates the value of continuous learning and the importance of aligning education with real-world application.
As she looks to the future, her story serves as an inspiration for others to dare to dream, take on new challenges, and pursue education as a lifelong endeavor.
"Whether it's in real estate, project management, or HVAC, there's a class for everybody," she concluded. "I would definitely recommend this certificate program to my friends. It's a great way to become an expert at what you do."
HVAC Systems Design and Control Program at UC San Diego Extended Studies
UC San Diego Extended Studies offers an HVAC Systems Design and Control program developed to provide students with a concentrated study of the latest available technology in the design, calculation, and practical applications of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems. Classes focus on various HVAC systems and components, their advantages and disadvantages, and their relative energy consumption. The coursework also emphasizes the merit of energy analysis and methods of savings through innovation in HVAC design for today's smart, green buildings.
In a recent alumni survey, graduates of the HVAC Systems Design and Control Program at UC San Diego Extended Studies confirmed that the program has had a significant impact on their professional careers. They emphasized that it provided valuable insights into building automation systems, decarbonization, net-zero energy, and the application of artificial intelligence in HVAC, among other key topics.
To learn more about this program, visit the UC San Diego Extended Studies HVAC Systems Design and Control page.