Project Management students embrace experiential learning with annual Symposium

Earlier this month, Project Management graduate certificate students gained practical experience by organizing the program’s annual Student Symposium.

With support from DC’s Faculty of Business, Durham College Student Association (DCSA) and the Durham Highlands chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the students organized the event as part of their curriculum. Guest speakers from DC and PMI shared their experience and knowledge with the soon-to-be graduates, who took advantage of the extensive networking opportunities available to them.

“It’s a great way for them to experience project management outside of a classroom setting,” explained Professor Mark Lewis, who is also a graduate of the program. “All the students that I work with always speak very highly about it because it does give them that hands-on opportunity.”

Karen Kwok was one such student, and she confirmed that the Symposium was an excellent way to wrap up the winter semester.

“It was a good opportunity for me to network and connect with fellow project managers, and I learned so much more about the PMI community,” she said. “I was able to be a part of a successful student-led project and now I am looking forward to what I can achieve in my next semester’s Applications of Project Management class.”

Her classmate Gaurav Dudani also made the most of the opportunity to connect with seasoned project managers.

“It was an educational and engaging experience,” he said. “The speakers shared invaluable insights, and learning about PMI’s member program and services was particularly enlightening.”

In their studies in and out of the classroom, Project Management students hone the in-demand skills needed by every company and organization that wants to use their resources more effectively and efficiently.

“It’s such a good program for any industry, because the skills you learn can be applied to anything,” said Professor Elaine Catell. “The interesting thing about our program is we’re not just teaching engineers. We have such a variety of educational disciplines and interests.”

Each semester, the program completes projects from both domestic and international clients, offering student teams a diverse range of challenges. These projects encompass numerous sectors, ensuring that DC students engage with a broad spectrum of real-world scenarios, enriching their learning experiences and preparing them for the complexities of their future careers. Businesses, community organizations and faculty are invited to contact Elaine Catell with potential projects.