Lewis University: Become a strategic leader in project management

Unlocking Global Leadership: How a Premier Project Management Program Shapes Tomorrow's Strategic Minds

In a business landscape that shifts with unprecedented speed, the demand for leaders who can navigate complexity and drive innovation has never been greater. For professionals seeking to master the art and science of bringing ambitious ideas to fruition, a specialized graduate program is becoming an indispensable tool for career acceleration and impactful leadership.

Forging Strategic Visionaries in a Dynamic World

For Lauro Laureta, a seasoned professional with a background in banking and finance, the quest for a more challenging and future-proof career path led him to a pivotal decision. He recognized that to truly thrive in today's evolving business environment, he needed to cultivate a deeper understanding of strategic execution. This realization steered him towards the Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program at Lewis University.

“This program became more than just academics; it became an integral part of my personal and professional growth journey,” Laureta shared, reflecting on his transformative experience. The program's accreditation by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Centre was a significant factor in his choice, instilling confidence that he was entering a globally recognized educational setting offering comprehensive support.

The MSPM curriculum is meticulously designed to cultivate not only technical proficiency but also essential leadership and strategic management capabilities. By integrating local and global business functions, students gain a holistic perspective crucial for success in an interconnected world. Laureta found that the program directly enhanced his ability to lead, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems, seamlessly bridging his established finance expertise with contemporary project management practices.

Today, Laureta is actively applying his newly honed skills as a Manager Trainee at a leading mobility solutions provider, where he navigates the daily intricacies of teamwork, customer relations, strategic planning, and critical decision-making – all core competencies honed within the MSPM framework. His ambition is to ascend to leadership roles where he can spearhead and strategize large-scale projects, a trajectory significantly accelerated by his pursuit of the MSPM.

Cultivating In-Demand Competencies Through Real-World Application

The MSPM program is strategically crafted to equip graduates with the precise competencies that employers actively seek. Its curriculum is rigorously aligned with the esteemed standards set by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the very organization behind the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

This alignment offers a distinct advantage: students can often apply their classroom hours towards the work experience requirements for PMI certifications. This can potentially fast-track career progression by as much as a full year, offering a tangible return on investment for ambitious professionals.

The learning experience is further enriched by instruction from highly skilled professionals hailing from diverse industries. Students gain unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources, including training in Agile methodologies, emerging generative AI technologies, and invaluable mentorship opportunities. The university's extensive global alumni network also provides a fertile ground for expanding professional connections and uncovering new career avenues.

For individuals who have already achieved PMP certification, the program offers a pathway to leverage their existing expertise. Through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolios, professionals can convert their real-world experience and certifications into up to nine graduate credits, significantly reducing both the time to degree completion and tuition costs.

Laureta himself benefited immensely from the dedicated career planning guidance provided by the university's College of Business and its Office of International Student and Global Scholar Services. The institution actively fostered his professional engagement, leading to his involvement with the prestigious PMI Chicagoland Chapter, a testament to the program's commitment to real-world professional development.

Igniting Leadership Potential Through Collaborative Engagement

Gnanesh Gongalla, a recent graduate of the MSPM program, found that his passion for leadership was significantly amplified through his involvement with the Project Management Club at Lewis. This hands-on experience provided him with invaluable opportunities to practice and refine his leadership skills, including the organization of significant events.

His dedication and leadership within the club led to a remarkable achievement: he was the sole student representative from the PMI Chicagoland Chapter selected to attend the PMI Global Summit 2024 in Los Angeles. This prestigious event provided a platform to forge connections with leading figures in the global project management community.

“My leadership experience strengthened my ability to influence and build relationships,” Gongalla stated, highlighting the profound impact of his involvement. “The degree has enhanced my strategic thinking and ability to deliver value through effective project execution.” The MSPM program at Lewis provided Gongalla with the essential experience and confidence boost needed to emerge as a fully realized leader.

Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact

Gongalla identified leadership as a core passion, and the MSPM program's GAC accreditation and strong ties to the PMI Chicagoland Chapter made Lewis University his clear choice. He thrives on empowering individuals and teams to achieve collective goals, a sentiment deeply resonated with by the program's ethos.

The program proved to be the exact catalyst Gongalla needed to achieve his aspirations. He found immense value in learning from professors who masterfully applied theoretical concepts to real-world case studies. This direct bridge between academic knowledge and practical application made him feel significantly more prepared for the demands of the industry.

“As a result, I feel more confident, competitive, and well-prepared to succeed in today’s job market,” he affirmed. Today, Gongalla's role involves a sophisticated integration of business processes with data and technology to inform decision-making and drive operational enhancements. From leading critical initiatives to managing diverse stakeholders and fostering cross-functional team collaboration, the principles he mastered through the MSPM program empower him to excel as a strategic leader.