Following Her Passion – Cecilia Stagni’s Career Transition From Engineering to Art
For Cecilia Stagni, art was never just a hobby—it was a lifelong passion waiting to take center stage.
Originally from Italy and trained as an electrical engineer, Stagni moved to San Diego in 2009, where she found herself drawn to the Art and the Creative Process Professional Certificate program at UC San Diego Extended Studies.
What began as an artistic side pursuit alongside her graduate studies soon became the seeds of her true calling and the foundation of a career transition. Immersed in a rigorous and inspiring curriculum, Stagni realized that her future belonged not in engineering but in the expressive world of art.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Stagni was initially enrolled in the Electrical Engineering master’s program at UC San Diego while simultaneously taking art courses at UC San Diego Extended Studies. However, the more she immersed herself in the Art and the Creative Process program, the clearer her path became.
“I gradually understood that my life would be about art and not electrical engineering,” she shared. “So I decided to drop out of grad school and entirely focus on the [art] program.”
The decision to shift from a technical field to a creative one was a profound moment of self-discovery. For Stagni, art was more than a career pursuit—it was a way to express her identity, emotions, and unique perspective on the world.
A Curriculum That Nurtures Creativity and Skill
Stagni chose UC San Diego Extended Studies because of the program's high-caliber instructors and skill-focused coursework.
The program offered a diverse selection of classes, covering everything from drawing and painting to collage, mosaic, sculpture and inking. It also introduced her to different mediums, including oils, acrylics and watercolors.
"Just going over the list of courses offered in the program, I could see that they were very focused on teaching students how to improve dramatically in a very short time,” she noted. "I was also very impressed with the variety of different art forms offered in the program."
This broad exposure helped Stagni refine her artistic voice and develop the technical expertise needed to fully realize her creative vision.
Learning from Established Artists
One of the program's most impactful aspects was the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who were not only skilled in their craft but also passionate educators.
"They were established artists with years of teaching experience," Cecilia recalled. "They ensured that the students learned everything they needed to know in each class and with each homework [assignment]."
Focused on both the creative process and the artistic product, the program supports students in creating a portfolio of finished artwork that demonstrates their unique style. By emphasizing experimentation and self-expression, the curriculum helps students develop confidence and range.
This structured, skill-based approach resonated with Cecilia, allowing her to make rapid progress in her artistic development.
"The program completely turned my life around, because, at the end of it, I was able to freely express myself through my art," she said.
Beyond the Classroom: A Lifelong Artistic Journey
Even after completing the program, Stagni continued to take courses at UC San Diego Extended Studies to deepen her skills and explore new techniques. One of her most memorable experiences was a plein air painting course, which introduced her to the joy of painting outdoors for the first time.
“It was a beautiful experience," she said. "I feel very grateful for the opportunity I had to study at UC San Diego Extended Studies, and there is no better feeling than that."
Encouraging Others to Follow Their Passion
For Cecilia Stagni, art is more than a profession—it's a passion that enriches every aspect of her life. She encourages others who are drawn to creative expression to pursue their artistic dreams with the confidence that they can build a career if that's what they desire.
"I think that art is everywhere, and there are lots of jobs out there that are looking for different types of artists," she said.
Her student experience has turned her into a champion for UC San Diego Extended Studies as a place for artists to hone their craft with the confidence that they will grow and thrive.
"I would definitely recommend the program to a friend or to anyone who is interested in art," she said. "If you have a passion for art, this program will help you develop the skills you need to follow it."
The Art and the Creative Process Professional Certificate Program
The Art and the Creative Process Professional Certificate at UC San Diego Extended Studies provides aspiring artists with a structured yet flexible learning environment. Led by accomplished professionals, the program emphasizes hands-on experience and skill-building, helping students develop their unique artistic voices. With a wide range of courses covering various artistic disciplines and media, students gain both technical proficiency and creative confidence.
For more information about the Art and the Creative Process program, contact the Arts & Humanities Department at UC San Diego Extended Studies at ahl@ucsd.edu or 858-534-5760.