Siblings Cailin and Colten Lambart find independence together at CMU

When Cailin and Colten Lambart of Sheridan, Mich., transferred from Montcalm Community College to Central Michigan University, it wasn’t exactly planned — but it made sense. Colten had considered Ferris, while Cailin was weighing her next step, and both realized CMU offered the program and opportunities they wanted. Sharing an apartment saved money and gave them some built-in support as they adjusted to university life.

Coming from Sheridan, a town of about 1,000 people, both admit the transition was eye-opening. “It was definitely uncomfortable at first,” Colten said. “But leaving that small-town bubble was important.”

Still, the siblings, both seniors majoring in human resources, were determined not to rely on each other too much. “It’s comfortable to have someone familiar up here with you,” Cailin said. “But it’s also important to go do your own thing and make your own friends. You can’t get very far if your only connection is your family.”

That balance has defined their CMU experience: advice and encouragement when needed, independence in their own circles of friends, and separate professional journeys that internships helped clarify.

Different paths, shared purpose

Colten interned with Cascade Engineering in Grand Rapids, commuting over two hours each day but loving the chance to explore all aspects of HR. “I was essentially an HR generalist. I dabbled in everything—recruiting, benefits, HR systems—and I had a great team. My director was so inspiring; I thought, ‘I want to be like her one day,’” he said.

Cailin’s internship with the City of Mount Pleasant focused on training and development projects, and though it wasn’t the perfect fit, it gave her valuable direction. “[My internship] taught me valuable things about what I want and don’t want. Training and development, or even recruiting, feels like a better fit.”

The sibling advantage

Being in the same program has its perks. The two often take the same classes in different semesters, giving them the chance to compare notes. Sometimes that meant comparing professors’ teaching styles, other times it was simply reassuring to know they weren’t the only ones struggling with a tough assignment.

But they’ve also discovered differences in their personalities and approaches. “I’m more of a go-with-the-flow person,” Colten said. “Cailin likes to have everything certain and planned out. It’s kind of cool how we balance each other.”

Building networks of their own

Outside the classroom, both siblings have been active in work and internships. Colten focused on HR through Cascade, while Cailin gained management and recruiting experience working at McDonald’s, where she began building professional connections. She also explored involvement in SHRM and attended professional luncheons to expand her network.

For both, the key has been stepping outside their comfort zones. “You don’t grow if you’re comfortable,” Colten said. “My internship pushed me to do that, and I learned so much.”

Looking forward

As graduation approaches, the siblings are preparing for different futures within HR, shaped by the internships and opportunities they embraced at CMU. Cailin sees herself in training and development or recruiting, while Colten is interested in leadership roles and perhaps pursuing graduate study in industrial-organizational psychology.

For now, both are grateful for the unusual opportunity to experience college with a sibling—close enough to lean on, but far enough apart to discover who they are on their own.