How One Analyst Redesigned Her Professional Future
When Pegah Azmoodeh reflects on her career path, it’s clear her journey wasn’t linear, but it was intentional.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in financial management from University of Tehran and a master’s degree in economics from Concordia University before beginning a career in banking and insurance as a credit and credit risk analyst.
On paper, it was stable and successful. But something was missing.
“Design, art and architecture have always been part of who I am,” Pegah says.
Growing up in Iran—a country “rich in architectural history”—she was “deeply inspired by design,” though pursued finance for stability.
But after a handful of years working in the financial industry, Pegah realized it wasn’t fulfilling for her. “Choosing to start over wasn’t easy, but following my passion ultimately led me to a career that truly reflects who I am.”
That decision to pivot would change everything.
The instructors are experienced professionals who are not only active in the industry, but are also supportive, responsive and truly passionate about teaching.
Testing a New Direction Without Quitting Her Job
While working full time as a credit risk analyst at FIRST Insurance Funding in Toronto, Canada, Pegah began exploring interior design through our individual courses. She wasn’t ready to take the leap without preparation. Instead, Pegah approached her career change strategically, testing the waters while maintaining financial stability.
“I was looking for a reputable and flexible program that offered industry-ready skills and practical credits that align with NCIDQ requirements,” Pegah recalls on ultimately choosing to complete the full Interior Design certificate. “I wanted a program that allowed me to work while building professional design skills. The UC Berkeley Extension certificate stood out immediately, and when it became available online in 2020, I registered.”
As a professional who needed flexibility without compromising academic rigor, Pegah found the online format the best fit her needs.
“Every class was engaging, relevant and thoughtfully structured,” she says. “The instructors are experienced professionals who are not only active in the industry, but are also supportive, responsive and truly passionate about teaching. Even in a virtual setting, the learning experience felt connected and inspiring and the sense of community and collaboration with fellow students was strong.
“Learning online worked extremely well for me,” she adds.
The technical knowledge, design fundamentals and practical skills I gained through the certificate fully prepared me to transition into the profession and secure a role at both Atelier and Populous.
Building Real-World Experience Along the Way
Pegah didn’t just study—she layered in hands-on experience. While taking classes, she worked part time, completed freelance interior design projects, interned at Ware Malcomb and later did contract interior design work at EP Atelier.
This combination of coursework, applied experience and great mentorship accelerated her transition.
Today, she works at Populous in the Los Angeles area, focusing on sports venue design. Populous is known globally for its large-scale sports and entertainment projects, and Pegah has already contributed to major developments, including work on new Nissan Stadium premium spaces in Nashville (EP Atelier) and the Belmont Park Redevelopment in New York (Populous).
“The certificate played a critical role in helping me land this position,” she says. “The technical knowledge, design fundamentals and practical skills I gained through the certificate fully prepared me to transition into the profession and secure a role at both Atelier and Populous.”
For Pegah, the transformation wasn’t just professional, it was deeply personal. She credits the program’s technical training and design studios with strengthening her ability to explore, test and refine ideas. “The technical skills I’ve learned have helped me clearly communicate my ideas, along with the sketching skills I’ve developed over the years.”
Her history courses also left a lasting impact. “Understanding the history of architecture is inspiring and serves as a great tool to inform modern design and architectural solutions.”
But the most powerful shift was internal.
“Earning this certificate truly changed my life,” Pegah enthuses. “It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where I finally became my true self!”
She transitioned “from feeling unfulfilled in my career to feeling passionate, confident and happy” in her work.
Professionally, she found a career she loves. Personally, she experienced “significant growth, especially in trusting my judgment, building self-esteem and believing in my abilities.”
“Earning this certificate truly changed my life. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where I finally became my true self!
Advice for Career Changers
Pegah understands how intimidating it can be to pivot careers, especially after investing years in another field. Her advice? Take advantage of the flexibility to explore before fully committing.
“One of the great advantages of this certificate is the ability to take a few courses before committing to the full program,” she says.“Finding your true passion is not easy, but once you do, this certificate can help you get there.”
She is realistic about the effort required. “There is no achievement without hard work and dedication, and there is no easy path. But when you love what you do, the journey becomes meaningful and opportunities begin to open in your favor.”
Looking ahead, Pegah envisions becoming a senior designer and leading projects, while also supporting other women in building confidence and succeeding in their careers.
Her story is proof that a career change isn’t about starting over—it’s about starting closer to who you really are.
