Blog

As part of the PMI Pittsburgh Professional Development & Education program, we strive to advance the profession and practice of project management by providing programs, resources and support to local academic institutions throughout the area.  

The chapter was privileged to partner with two local universities and work with students on semester-long initiatives.  

Owen Sheridan, Matt McConnell, Sarah McMullen, and Deb Foote worked with Robert Morris University graduate students on a project to refresh the chapter’s annual survey. The students reviewed surveys and results from previous years to develop recommendations for a new and improved 2026 survey that will land in member inboxes soon. They developed a project plan, regularly met with stakeholders, and delivered a project that has real value to the chapter.  

Matt Cettin worked with undergraduate students at Gannon University and presented them with three challenges: Member Onboarding Redesign, Communication Modernization, and Events 2.0 Redesign. The students used PMIEF Skills For Life and the PMBOK as their guide to develop project plans with clear timelines, stakeholder updates, and deliverables throughout the semester. Deb Foote attended the final presentations noted of several recommendations that the chapter will put into action.  

A special thank you to Professor Albena Ivanova (RMU) and Allyson Graham (Gannon) for connecting the chapter with these opportunities to work directly with the next generation of project managers. 

Do you have an idea to further bridge the gap between higher education and the professional world by connecting students to the PMI Pittsburgh chapter?  Volunteer with the Academic Networking team! Get started by connecting with Owen Sheridan, Academic Networking Director, at academic_director@pittsburghpmi.org