Introducing…Yu-Shan
Design Engineer, Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P.
When you are enjoying consistent indoor temperatures from your heating or cooling system, it’s easy to forget that a team of people is dedicated to designing the equipment. One of these key people is Yu-Shan Tzeng, Design Engineer for Goodman Manufacturing.
We recently sat down with Yu-Shan to talk about her journey to HVAC, unique professional experiences, and interests.
Globetrotting
Yu-Shan grew up in Taiwan and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Taiwan University in Taipei. In 2011, she moved to the United States to attend the University of Maryland where she received her M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
What path led you to HVAC?
“I had a desire to create technology that impacts a broad audience. I’ve always been fascinated by those engineers or scientists who were able to invent devices or machines using cutting-edge technologies. Being an engineer is the best way I know of to realize and live my dream.”
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
“I had an internship as a mechanical engineer with DC Water, a utility company in Washington D.C. I worked on the construction side, helping to determine the needs of the building during renovations and the necessary HVAC units that could help improve efficiency.
In this job, I was able to take what I learned in school and apply it to real business processes. We were project focused, so it was important to look at the big picture. We had to determine the scope of the project and keep the schedule and budget in mind. I needed to understand my surroundings much more than I did being a student. I learned that if you want to implement an idea, you have to learn how to realize goals with the given predetermined constraints.”
What was the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Be open-minded to new experiences. Even if you feel like something will not be useful, you will benefit from that experience down the line.”
A Day in the Life of …
What does your typical day look like?
“I work with cross-functional groups to ensure project schedules, and readiness is delivered prior to product launches and production. Being a project manager, I have to ensure all tasks are on track, present milestones and updates to management, and maintain good communication. Organizational and multitasking skills are often put to good use!”
What is your favorite part of your job and why?
“In my workplace, there are people from all over the world, such as Taiwan, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Egypt and Middle Eastern countries. It makes my workplace a friendly and open-minded environment where people respect and embrace different cultures.”
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
“I think I have been one of the few employees that have been able to work at four different Goodman facilities in four years. That experience has allowed me to get familiar with all of the products lines and understand the lineup that we provide to our customers. I am proud of that!”
What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?
When I tell my friends that I am a mechanical engineer at an HVAC company, they think I am a contractor!"
It’s not all about work!
What do you do for fun?
“I like out to hang out with friends and do outdoor activities like hiking and camping.”
If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?
“Snowboarding! It looks really hard but fun!”
What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without?
“Google Maps, Wi-Fi and my data plan!"