When experience wasn’t enough, the next step was CMU

Before arriving at Central Michigan University, Tamuka Kanyai was already leading at a high level. Originally from Zimbabwe, Kanyai built his career in construction project management, earning a promotion in 2024 from head projects manager to systems implementation officer and general manager. In that role, he oversaw everything from projects and workshop operations to finance, marketing, human resources, and administration.

But with that growth came a realization.

“I realized that my experience with the company was not enough, but I needed knowledge, skills, and expertise in business administration,” he said. Kanyai knew he didn’t just want an MBA, he wanted a program that aligned with his industry. That realization led him to CMU. 

“I needed an MBA, but then I wanted something that had project management, as this was and is my field of choice. CMU had all this in one package under MBA with an emphasis in project management,” he said. That combination of business leadership and specialized expertise made CMU the right next step in his career.

Building skills in and out of the classroom

At CMU, Kanyai has expanded both his technical knowledge and leadership ability, gaining skills he applies daily.

“CMU has supported me in different ways, both in class and outside class,” he said. “I have received all the materials and knowledge that I need to pass all my courses and they have left me with skills that I am now applying in my day-to-day life.”

He credits his instructors with helping him think and act at a higher level. “My instructors have empowered me to make solid decisions at the general management level and project management. I now know and understand what it takes, means to run a project from start to end,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Kanyai has taken on hands-on roles that strengthened his communication and leadership skills. As a graduate assistant with the Office of Academic Success, he worked directly with students and families, building strong interpersonal skills and gaining experience in administration.

He later stepped into a second role within the College of Business Administration’s communications team, where he helped turn an idea into a full podcast series.

“The second position came from an idea that I generated and was supported by the relevant stakeholders,” he said. “I have gained skills on how to develop a podcast idea into a podcast product from script development, video recording and editing, up to promotion of the content after production.”

That idea became CBA Connected, a video podcast series that now includes 24 episodes. Kanyai hosted and edited the majority of the series, while also bringing in fellow students as guest hosts. The podcast highlights student experiences, faculty insights and topics relevant to the College of Business community, turning a concept into a sustained, student-driven content platform.

Staying motivated and offering advice

For Kanyai, motivation comes from structure and progress.

“I stay motivated through setting out clear goals that keep me moving, and as long as I haven’t achieved them, I am motivated to achieve them,” he said. “When I have achieved them, I celebrate through settings out new and higher goals.”

That mindset reflects the same discipline required in both project management and executive leadership, always building toward the next milestone.

Kanyai encourages students who feel uncertain about their path to focus on finding the right support system.

“My advice to someone unsure about what to study and where to go would be to go to Central,” he said. “They have a great, dedicated team of advisors who will tap into your passion and what you like, then they will advise you on your strengths and weaknesses and what’s the best route to take.”

Looking ahead: Leadership in construction

After graduating in May 2026, Kanyai plans to return to the construction industry with a stronger foundation in business leadership.

“My short-term goals are to re-enter the construction industry, apply the knowledge, skills, and expertise I have gotten from CMU, combined with my work experience, and become a successful construction project manager,” he said.

Long term, he’s aiming even higher. “My long-term goals are to become a construction project executive who is characterized by great leadership and highly organized,” he said. Beyond his career, his focus remains on impact. “Outside my professional career, my goals are to help those who need my help and look forward to being assisted by me in all dimensions of life,” he said.

From leading teams in Zimbabwe to building new skills at CMU, Kanyai’s journey reflects a clear purpose to grow, lead, and make a difference, one project at a time.