SAP Student User Group brings business learning to life

Students at Central Michigan University don't need to know anything about SAP to join the SAP Student User Group. The organization gives students a place to explore business technology, meet people with similar interests, and discover career opportunities beyond the classroom.

The registered student organization helps students learn about SAP, software that businesses use to manage operations, and enterprise resource planning, which connects processes across areas such as finance, purchasing, and supply chain management. Through industry speakers, company visits, and student-led activities, members gain a better understanding of how these systems are used in professional settings.

Sadiksha Giri,  a CMU graduate student from Nepal studying information systems and vice president of the SAP Student User Group, said the organization welcomes students regardless of their prior experience.

“The beauty of our RSO is that you don't have to be an expert to join,” Giri said. “You can know nothing about ERP or SAP, and you can come join and learn more about it.”

For Giri, the organization is an opportunity for students to learn about SAP and determine whether the field aligns with their interests. Members can also develop leadership skills and build connections with other students.

Learning through industry experiences

One of the group's main activities is the SAP Student Speaker Series, which brings professionals to CMU to discuss their work, share career advice, and answer students' questions. 

The organization also arranges company visits. Giri said students have visited Eli Lilly, Deloitte, and Dow in recent years, giving members opportunities to learn about different workplaces and the technology businesses use. These activities help students understand what professionals do after graduation, explore internships and jobs, and learn about skills employer’s value.

On Oct. 21, 2026, the SAP Student User Group welcomed three Dow professionals to Grawn Hall for an industry speaker event. The guests were Megan McBride Davis, enterprise product delivery, source-to-pay solution manager; Emilie Ehler, packaging/specialty plastics and hydrocarbons business IT; and Samantha Laskowski, global strategic recruiting leader and IT functional staffing leader.

During the discussion, Laskowski emphasized the value of building relationships with industry professionals before applying for internships and jobs. McBride Davis discussed how students can learn what matters to businesses and apply that knowledge to their coursework and career preparation. Ehler encouraged students to evaluate the skills and experiences they already have and consider how those strengths could help them pursue professional opportunities.

For Hashir Bin Zahid, a CMU graduate student in information systems, attending the event offered a broader understanding of the SAP field. Hashir said hearing about SAP Ariba and the transition from SAP ERP Central Component to SAP S/4HANA showed him how many different areas of enterprise technology students can explore.

“In class, we are usually just taught a couple of things,” Hashir said. “You really need to go out there, look for yourself what you're interested in and find your calling.”

Building leadership through involvement

Along with connecting students to industry professionals, the SAP Student User Group gives members opportunities to organize events, work with peers, and take on leadership responsibilities. SAP Student User Group President Akanksha Tyagi, a CMU graduate student from India pursuing a Master of Science in information systems and a Master of Business Administration, said students benefit from opportunities to ask industry professionals about career paths, internships and professional development.

“They can ask any questions directly,” Tyagi said.

Members also have opportunities to meet students who share their interests and learn from one another. For Tyagi, leading the organization has helped her develop interpersonal and leadership skills while building professional connections. She said the student team spent about 10 days preparing for the Dow event. Seeing the event come together was one of the most rewarding parts of her role, she said. Tyagi encourages students to consider executive board positions to gain experience organizing activities and working with professionals.

Santiago Aguirre, a faculty member in CMU's Department of Business Information Systems and faculty adviser to the SAP Student User Group, said the organization helps students connect classroom concepts with professional practices.

“I encourage students from all business majors to get involved because it is a great way to learn beyond the classroom, stay connected with industry developments, and better prepare for internships and future careers,” Aguirre said.

How to get involved

Students interested in joining the SAP Student User Group can follow @sapsug_cmich on Instagram or contact sapsug@cmich.edu to learn about meetings, membership, and upcoming events.

For students exploring careers in business technology, the organization offers a place to begin learning, gain experience through involvement, and connect with people who can help them understand the field.