The Project Management Institute Atlanta Chapter (PMI Atlanta) and the Department of Management of Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business have formed a partnership to expand project management education and career pathways for students. The new initiative aims to align academic experiences with industry demands by providing scholarships, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that equip students with critical project management skills.

“This partnership is about empowering students to realize their potential as future leaders in project management,” said Tamyria (Tam) Williams, associate vice president of university partnerships at PMI Atlanta. “Through mentorship, real-world experience, and access to professional networks, we are deeply committed to supporting the growth, confidence, and career readiness of Georgia State’s student community.”

Key initiatives of the partnership include:

·       Offering research grants and student scholarships

·       Providing guest speakers for project management classes

·       Organizing and judging student competitions

·       Coordinating mentorships and job-shadowing opportunities for hands-on learning

·       Hosting joint executive events with Georgia State faculty, including industry-academic panels and networking session

·       Launching a speaker series and fireside chats to demystify project management careers across industries

·       Delivering career design workshops that help students align their experiences and education with professional pathways

·       Facilitating mentoring programs to help students build project management skills through real-world exposure

“PMI Atlanta is proud of our newly formed partnership with Georgia State University,” said Joseph Sisto, chair-elect of PMI Atlanta, who noted that the collaboration will connect students to a network of more than 5,000 professionals across the state, enhance their academic experience through access to PMI certifications and leadership development tracks, and broaden opportunities in the profession.

Sisto added that PMI Atlanta has been strengthening its relationship with Georgia State over the past two years, including hosting a fall special interest joint forum at the university’s Student Center.

“This collaboration opens doors for our students to gain industry-recognized certifications, engage with experienced professionals, and apply project management principles to real challenges,” said Management Department Chair Peter Zhang. The department offers undergraduate and graduate-level project management courses.

Zhang added that Georgia State and PMI will soon announce a calendar of events for the upcoming academic year, featuring project managers from diverse industries aligned with the university’s curricula.