FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2004

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, March 18, 2004 - Michelle Larson offers a perfect example of what can happen after earning a Professional Certificate in Meeting and Events Planning through San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies (CES).

She earned her certificate in six months through CES last year, and has put it to use by recently starting as a catering assistant at the Mission Valley Hilton.

Larson took five core courses and three electives to earn a certificate, which in the business world nowadays is often considered as valuable as a four-year college degree.

"That is very true," she said. "The three places I interviewed within the hotel industry were all amazed by my certificate. It was a deciding factor to see the certificate on my resume."

Larson, a resident of Spring Valley, Calif., is a San Diego County native. She spent 10 years of her professional life in Flagstaff, Ariz., working five years for an automobile dealer and five years in broadcasting.

After returning to San Diego County, she was an accountant before working for the El Cajon Community Development Corporation. In that job, she was able to apply some of the principles she learned in the Meeting and Events Planning program while working with stakeholders and members of the board of directors, as well as conducting workshops.

Larson had flexible hours in her downtown El Cajon job, which allowed her to get a foot in the hotel industry door.

"I wanted to start in catering," she said. "It's a very good first step. I get to learn the ins and outs of how all the departments work. It's a good overview."

Larson attributes her start in the hotel industry to the education she received through CES. She termed the program as "excellent," and said that Theresa Breining was a "magnificent instructor" in Meeting and Events Planning.

"I always thought it would be fun to work in the hotel industry," Larson said. "I had no idea what I would enjoy. Going through the class told me what I would enjoy."

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 25 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. For more information on the cutting-edge opportunities offered, visit the College's web site at www.NeverStopLearning.net.