CBA graduate student earns full-time offer at Eli Lilly

For Liu Zhanning, a graduate student in information systems from Traverse City, Mich., solving problems has never been about quick fixes. It’s about patience, preparation, and purpose. That mindset guided him through Central Michigan University’s Master of Science in Information Systems program, and eventually to a full-time role at Eli Lilly and Company, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical firms.

During his internship, Liu worked as an SAP intern within the company’s Global Business Process Knowledge Center, where he supported system enhancements, process automation, and data-driven improvements. “I worked on SAP S/4HANA and Signavio Process Mining to help improve efficiency and support business users,” he said. “It was about finding smarter ways to make systems work better for people across the organization.”

His role included participating in software release projects and resolving production tickets to ensure the company’s global sales processes operated without interruption experiences that ultimately led to a full-time offer.

How CMU’s SAP program helped land a full-time role

Before his internship, Liu had already gained extensive hands-on experience through CMU’s SAP program, a cornerstone of the Department of Business Information Systems.

“When I returned to higher education, I wanted to build stronger technical skills,” he said. “The SAP program at CMU gave me the opportunity to do that through real projects and mentorship.”

Liu competed in the Celonis Process Mining Challenge, where his team earned first place, and represented CMU in the Global Sustainability ERPsim Competition, finishing second in the world. He also worked as a teaching assistant for one of the department’s largest classes and supported testing in the SAP Configuration course. “These experiences gave me a bridge between what I was learning in class and what I was doing in industry,” he said.

Mentorship built on care and challenge

Liu credits his professors Emil Boasson, Vishal Shah, Stephen Tracy, and Christine Witt for helping him translate technical knowledge into career readiness. “Almost everyone I worked with in the Business Information Systems department made a real impact on me,” Liu said. “Their mentorship built my confidence and prepared me for professional success.”

Each faculty member, he added, played a different role in shaping his path. Some guided his technical development, while others challenged him to think critically about leadership, teamwork, and the meaning of professional growth. “Their guidance helped me see that learning doesn’t stop when class ends,” Liu said. “It continues every day through reflection and collaboration.”

Advice for the next generation of business technologists

Liu often shares one key piece of advice for students who want to turn internships into full-time opportunities: slow down and stay thoughtful.

“Less is sometimes more, and slow is fast,” he said. “Take time to understand your organization, connect your experiences to your work, and don’t be afraid to speak up when you have ideas. Thoughtful contributions are always noticed.”

That mindset — steady, deliberate, and focused — carried him through every challenge at CMU, including his most memorable one: the nine-and-a-half-hour SAP Configuration final exam. “There were moments when I thought I couldn’t finish,” he said. “But that experience taught me resilience and focus. It’s something I draw on every time I face a tough project.”

Finding balance beyond the classroom

Outside his studies, Liu found comfort in Mount Pleasant’s quiet routines, a matcha latte from Ponder, Saturday brunch at Stan’s, and trips to GreenTree Cooperative Market. “Those little routines helped me recharge and connect with the community,” he said. “They reminded me that balance is important, even when things get busy.”

Now preparing to begin his full-time role at Eli Lilly, Liu said he’s most excited to return to a team that values both innovation and people. “I’m looking forward to continuing the work I started,” he said. “I want to keep learning, contributing, and making a meaningful impact, one project at a time.”