CMU Project Management chapter connects students with industry professionals

Learning project management in a classroom can introduce students to the tools and concepts behind the work. Central Michigan University’s Project Management chapter gives students another perspective by connecting them with professionals who use those skills in the workplace. Through guest speakers, workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities, the student organization helps members learn about workplace expectations and develop skills they can carry into internships and careers.

Those connections were on display during guest speaker events featuring professionals from Amazon and Dow. The events gave students opportunities to learn about recruiting, project management practices, workplace tools, and the transition from college to a career. 

Learning from industry professionals

During the “Big Tech Project Management: Inside Amazon Workflows” chapter event, CMU alumna Namita Chauhan of Amazon spoke with students about managing large technology projects, working with cross-functional teams, tools and proficiencies used at Amazon, and what hiring managers look for in new hires.

For Sayyed Mohammed Saim, a master’s student in information systems from Pakistan, hearing from a CMU alumna who had gone on to work at Amazon was motivating.

“It was really nice to hear about her journey, especially being a CMU alumna,” Saim said. “It gives us motivation and inspiration and, you know, kind of connects to us as students and the things we can accomplish up in the road.”

Other students found value in specific parts of the conversation. Kris Gawlowski, a freshman finance major from Poland, said learning about how management works at Amazon was one of the most useful parts of the meeting. Kutendakwedu Chisango, an MBA student in project management from Zimbabwe, focused on career preparation. He said the information about approaching interview questions systematically and strengthening resumes was helpful.

Toni Grant, president of the Project Management chapter and a Master of Science in Administration student with a project management emphasis, said helping students understand recruiting and workplace expectations was one of the goals of the event.

“The main thing I want students to take away from this guest speaker meeting is different tips and tricks on how to get recruited within a company like Amazon,” said Grant. “What the process is like, the tools that are used nowadays, the technology and strategies that they need to be aware of transitioning from school into the working world, so that they know what direction to take for their own personal development.”

Students also heard from Megan McBride Davis, a CMU alumna and technical solutions manager at Dow. Her session focused on the differences between project management theory and corporate practice, how systems work together in a professional environment, and the transition into the workforce. 

Building skills beyond guest speaker events

Guest speakers are one part of the chapter’s approach to helping students prepare for professional environments. Grant said involvement in the organization also allows students to learn about the current workforce while communicating with alumni and industry experts.

Members can participate in Six Sigma, Excel, and project management tool workshops. The chapter also holds competitions that allow members to engage with other chapters and project management companies. Grant said those experiences help students develop skills while building their professional networks and becoming more comfortable entering the workforce.

Kevin McCarron, BIS faculty member and adviser for the Project Management chapter, said connecting students with professionals can expose them to workplace tools and techniques that may not always fit into classroom time. Those conversations can also reinforce career preparation, including keeping resumes current, preparing for interviews, and understanding the qualities employers value.

For students, the value of those experiences can take different forms. Gawlowski gained insight into management at Amazon. Chisango found practical advice he could apply to interviews and resumes. Saim saw what a fellow CMU graduate had accomplished after college.

Together, those experiences reflect what the Project Management chapter is working to provide: opportunities for students to connect what they learn at CMU with professionals, workplace practices, and expectations they may encounter after graduation.