To highlight career changes in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving global economy, the Department of Management Studies at the Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB), along with the Project Management Institute (PMI) Lebanon Chapter, held a talk for students and faculty at the LAU Beirut campus, demonstrating how effective project management, once a niche competence, has become a cornerstone of success.

The lecture on March 19, 2025, titled Unlocking Talent: Project Management Certifications and Career Opportunities, featured Managing Director of the PMI for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region Hanny Al Shazly, who, from his vast experience in global education and strategic leadership, has seen how structured project management transforms potential into tangible progress.

“Project management professionals are now at the forefront of strategic growth and transformation,” said Al Shazly. “Whether you are managing national development programs or student-led initiatives, project management offers the framework to deliver long-lasting and measurable results.” 

Achieving sustainable development requires empowerment and innovation, noted George Obeid, director of the Academy of Continuing Education at LAU (LAU ACE). To that end, he said, the certified courses facilitated by LAU ACE and PMI that serve diverse disciplines across private and public sectors aim to enhance the skills of professionals in various fields and shape the future of young leaders.

“By bridging the gap between learners and real-world challenges through training and acquiring project management skills and certifications, we fulfill our mission to prepare the workforce of tomorrow,” said Obeid. “As industries adapt to digital transformation, AI integration and remote work dynamics, project managers are in greater demand than ever before.” 

Youth engagement and leadership, according to Mohamad Jamil, president of the PMI Lebanon Chapter Student Club—the first student-led PMI initiative in the MENA region—are among the main pillars of LAU programs as they nurture competencies like planning, communication, critical thinking and teamwork—skills highly valued by employers in any sector. 

Jamil, a junior IT management student, leads a dynamic club that fosters collaboration, skill development and professional growth. His experience reflects a broader trend at the LAU campuses, where students strive to make a difference before graduation, building their leadership skills, adapting to high-pressure environments, and creating socioeconomic impact.

As LAU and its partners at PMI-Lebanon Chapter continue to invest in awareness, education, and certifications, the message is clear: mastering project management is not just a smart career move—it is a strategic step toward building a better future.