18 April 2023
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Herpreet Panesar is a Pre-sales Engineer at Samsung Climate Solutions.
What was your first job?
I was a customer service executive for six years where I acted as a key point of contact for customers that required specialist attention and carried out general administration duties such as fielding incoming calls from customers and answering queries.
What does your current role involve?
As a Pre-sales Engineer at Samsung, I work with clients to design projects in heating and cooling from start to finish. I also lead the SmartThings and BIoT technology side of things for my team regarding the future of smart homes and connectivity. I had the opportunity to work on the first BIoT project in the UK, Element in Warrington. Samsung provided air conditioning units and the BIoT control system to 39,150 sq ft of office space with the Samsung DVMS2 VRF system. Not only was this the first-ever project of its kind in the UK, but it also won an Energy Saving Award in December 2022 for the energy efficiency BIoT brings to commercial air conditioning.
What attracted you to the industry?
After entering the industry through an unrelated administrative role where I was working on planning and design in construction and building services, I soon realised I was more interested in how things worked the way they did and why. I was always asking questions about how buildings are constructed for example.
What excites/interests you about the industry?
I think the HVAC industry is in such an exciting stage from the perspective of innovation in technology. We are constantly evolving and I need to be continuously learning to keep up, which is a part of my job that I really appreciate. For women entering this industry, the opportunities are varied and the timing couldn’t be better.
How would you like to see your career developing?
My biggest career development right now is to gain as much knowledge and experience in the Smart living lifestyle. I really enjoy my work in Samsung. I think it is challenging, exciting, and fun. I also have the perfect work-life balance. My involvement in SmartThings and B.IoT is giving me first hand opportunities to liaise, train and/or share knowledge with customers and colleagues. The way we are living is changing and I want to be a part of this change.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
There’s no such thing as silly questions – be curious and put your hand up!
What do you see as the challenges facing the industry?
A key challenge is definitely driving forward much needed progress on attracting women and young girls who are considering a career in the HVAC industry. Based on my personal experience, there have been moments where stereotypical assumptions come into play but I didn’t let them hold me back and used it as encouragement, proving people wrong. I am making positive changes in this industry just by succeeding in my role and sharing my experiences, proving it can be done
What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry?
Just go for it, ask questions, be curious and ‘get your hands dirty’!
Is there a little-known fact about yourself that would surprise other people?
Not many people know that I build and collect Lego! I also enhance my builds with lights and sometimes even improvise from the original design in question. I also am a big memorabilia collector. My collection will vary from 80s movie props, Marvel limited editions, and watches.
