Stepping into the future of enterprise technology

Two graduate students from Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration recently represented CMU at ASUG Tech Connect in Louisville, Kentucky. MSIS student Brenden Haldeman and MBA student Jaahnavi Nagaraju were selected based on their strong performance in SAP coursework, their involvement in the SAP Student User Group, and their interest in enterprise systems and digital transformation. Vishal Shah, a faculty member in business information systems and director of the SAP University Alliance program and corporate outreach, accompanied the students and served as a panelist. 

Student preparation and performance

Haldeman said several experiences at CMU prepared him to make the most of the conference. “My class with Professor Nadia Piponska Janeva has given me a strong foundation of SAP ABAP and the backend of ERP software. My class with Professor Vishal Shah introduced me to the foundations of SAP and its many modules. The ERPsim competition provided me with valuable insight into how businesses use SAP in practice. Lastly, my internship at Ford Motor Company gave me hands-on experience that I was able to apply directly at this event.” 

Shah said both students were strong choices. “Jaahnavi and Brenden were selected for this opportunity because they demonstrated a high level of commitment to enterprise systems education, strong academic performance in SAP-related coursework, and an eagerness to deepen their understanding of real-world applications of ERP technologies.” 

He noted that both students performed well in SAP-integrated courses, completed additional SAP learning through the SAP Learning Hub, and participated in data-driven projects using SAP and Tableau. Nagaraju also excelled in CMU’s SAP configuration course and currently assists with the class. 

Experiencing SAP innovation

During the conference, students attended sessions on SAP Business AI, SAP S/4HANA migration strategies, industry solution demonstrations, and Academic Alliance roundtables. They also participated in networking activities with SAP partners, consulting firms, and customer organizations. 

Haldeman said one topic stood out most. “The biggest thing that stood out to me was SAP Joule, the AI-powered Copilot integrated with SAP S4/HANA. It enhances productivity and decision-making by acting as a smart assistant that helps users navigate SAP systems. It is fascinating to see first-hand how powerful AI is becoming in enterprise technology.” 

Nagaraju said the event offered a close look at how quickly SAP technologies are evolving. 

“It was amazing to see how fast the SAP ecosystem is advancing with AI-driven innovations,” she said. 

Shah said the students’ engagement was consistently strong. “Both students arrived well-prepared, having reviewed the conference agenda, researched participating companies, and identified topics they wanted to explore further. Throughout the event, they engaged actively in discussions with presenters, asked insightful questions during technical sessions, and demonstrated professionalism in their conversations with industry leaders.” 

Building confidence through connection

Haldeman said the experience strengthened his networking and communication skills. “At first, I was nervous, given the technical expertise of many attendees, but it taught me how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Through engaging conversations, I improved my communication, networking skills and gained confidence discussing with SAP professionals.” 

He also reflected on how the conference highlighted CMU’s SAP preparation. “Some of the most impactful conversations were with professionals who were surprised by the depth of SAP education students receive at CMU. Many expressed interests in connecting their companies with Central Michigan University, which highlights how valuable these events are for promoting both universities and students.” 

His takeaway was clear: “Networking with industry experts taught me that growth happens when you embrace challenges and new perspectives.” 

CMU represented on the national stage

Shah served as a panelist during the SAP University Alliances session, where he discussed best practices for integrating SAP into curriculum, the importance of process mining and analytics in modern IS programs, opportunities for students to develop industry-recognized skills, and the role of ASUG in strengthening connections between universities and industry. 

His session led to interest in future partnerships, student outreach, and expanded SAP-related workshops. 

Pride in representing CMU

“It meant so much to me to represent CMU at such a prestigious event,” Haldeman said. “The faculty within the College of Business Administration consistently provides opportunities to network with industry professionals and support students in finding their future careers. The coursework and professional events at Central Michigan University have benefited my career path greatly.” 

Their experience at ASUG Tech Connect reflected the strength of CMU’s SAP-integrated programs and the college’s focus on preparing students for high-demand roles in enterprise systems and analytics.