Leading from the classroom to the boardroom

At Central Michigan University, the Project Management Chapter is helping students develop into confident and capable project leaders. The group focuses on helping students apply classroom concepts to real-world project management scenarios, preparing them for career success. 

“We are trying to bridge the gap between students and the skills they need to flourish in their careers as project managers,” said Naina Rajan, president of the organization and a graduate student in the College of Business Administration. 

Workshops and competitions that build careers 

The chapter hosts skill-building workshops that focus on tools widely used in the project management profession. These have included sessions on Gantt charts and advanced Excel techniques. Beyond campus, the group also connects students with real-world challenges. 

One recent example is “theProject,” a regional case competition hosted by the Western Michigan Project Management Institute. In 2025, the CMU student team secured second place. Members have also participated in the Great Lakes Chapter's professional development day. 

Open doors for all students 

Any CMU student interested in project management can get involved. Membership requests can be submitted through Engage Central or by reaching out to current board members, whose contact information is available on the Business Student Organizations page. Many of the chapter’s workshops are open to all students, regardless of membership status. Faculty announcements and digital screens in Grawn Hall are common ways students hear about upcoming events. 

Looking ahead

The chapter is in the early stages of planning a campus-wide case competition. The idea is to create a project management simulation event designed specifically for CMU students. Leaders also plan to continue the group’s strong collaboration with the Project Management Institute and expand its reach on campus. 

Rajan offered simple advice to students considering joining: “Just come with an open mind, look out for opportunities and make room for possibilities. The academic calendar always seems overwhelming, but organizations like these can be your next door to success on campus, be it personal or professional.”