SBS Blog > Strathclyde's 'useful learning' led to project management job success by Kirtana Kanagaraj

Strathclyde's 'useful learning' led to project management job success

By Kirtana Kanagaraj - Posted on 22 May 2025

Kirtana Kanagaraj did the International Master Project Management programme, a joint master's degree between Strathclyde and Polimi in Italy. Strathclyde careers support was instrumental in her internship while studying which led directly to her current job. Here, she explains the benefits of the programme.

Before embarking on the International Master Project Management programme, I was working as a Delegate Sales Manager within the B2B events industry for over two years. Prior to that role, I had also gained experience through internships in Human Resources. While the programme offered many benefits, the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and leverage the strong university networks for career opportunities like internships were key attractions.

Pivotal experience

Doing the programme was genuinely a pivotal experience for me. It really forced me to step up and challenge myself in ways I hadn't before, particularly working so intensively with classmates from so many different backgrounds on constantly shifting team projects for each module. That dynamic learning environment itself was a huge part of the value – you learn so much just by navigating those different working styles and perspectives. While I still believe that mastering the practical side of project management comes heavily from experience, perhaps more than just theory, the IMPM's structure was brilliant for bridging that gap. It provided this unique framework, spanning two countries, that really encouraged adaptability and resilience. And ultimately, the programme delivered tangible results; the support system, especially the careers service here at Strathclyde, directly contributed to the internship that became my current project management role. So, overall, it felt like a really effective catalyst for both significant personal development and concrete career progression.

One of the absolute highlights of the IMPM for me was the opportunity to deeply immerse myself in two very different cultures, back-to-back. Living in both Milan and Glasgow wasn’t just about studying—it meant adapting to new ways of life, navigating different academic systems, and gaining firsthand insight into how people think, work, and interact in each place. And yes—for international students, even the visa process became part of that learning curve! That level of cultural immersion is something no short trip could ever replicate, and it genuinely broadened my perspective in lasting ways.

Another standout was the practical career support we received from the universities. It wasn’t just lip service or a line in the brochure—Strathclyde, for example, brought internship opportunities to us in a way that felt practical and personal. That level of support made a huge difference.

The experiences at POLIMI and Strathclyde offered different kinds of support, both valuable. In Italy, when I had an unfortunate accident resulting in a broken arm, POLIMI's staff were instrumental in helping me connect with the appropriate emergency services and navigate the situation. The best part of the Strathclyde experience was the exceptional career support. They played a crucial role in facilitating an excellent internship opportunity for our cohort, which significantly boosted my career prospects.

Experiential aspect

The experiential aspect is one of the defining features of the IMPM programme and it was something I truly appreciated. From the start, the structure encouraged learning by doing. Each module involved working with different classmates on collaborative projects, which meant constantly adapting to new team dynamics and learning how to bring out the best in a diverse group. That alone was a powerful, real-world exercise in project management.

The journey started in Milan at POLIMI, where we were introduced to the fundamentals of project management within a highly design- and systems-oriented environment. Then we moved to Glasgow for the second semester at Strathclyde, which had its own academic rhythm and cultural flavour. The contrast between the two institutions and cities added so much depth to the experience academically, professionally, and personally.

The third semester was all about applying what we’d learned in a real-world context. We had the flexibility to pursue internships in different locations, depending on our goals. My internship experience helped me with a hands-on experience - navigating an actual project environment, collaborating with professionals, and applying theoretical frameworks to practical challenges which was probably the most impactful part of the programme for me. It tied everything together and gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career.

Learned skills

The most valuable skill I’ve developed is the ability to work effectively across cultures—something that’s already proving essential in my current role. Throughout the programme, we were constantly engaging with classmates, professors, and project stakeholders from all over the world. That experience taught me how to navigate different communication styles, cultural expectations, and decision-making processes, which is absolutely critical in today’s global work environment.

Beyond intercultural collaboration, the programme also sharpened my skills in project planning, stakeholder coordination, and strategic thinking. The practical nature of the coursework, combined with the internship, meant that I wasn’t just learning theories; I was actively using tools and approaches in real scenarios. That has made a huge difference in how I approach my work today: I’m more confident, more adaptable, and much better at seeing the bigger picture while managing the details.

Currently, I am working as a Project Manager at Diageo, the company where I completed my internship. My immediate plan is to continue in this role to gain broader exposure to projects within procurement and supply chain. Looking further ahead, I am interested in transitioning towards projects within the FinTech industry. A key goal is to achieve my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification once I have accrued three years of relevant project management experience.

I would recommend the IMPM programme, especially for individuals who are eager to immerse themselves in new cultures and gain experience working with international stakeholders. However, it's crucial to have realistic expectations. As was even highlighted during the course, simply having the degree certificate doesn't automatically qualify you as a project manager. The real value comes from actively leveraging the resources, support, and networking opportunities provided by both universities to proactively find and create your own career pathways.

My advice to anyone considering it is to be prepared to work hard; as the saying goes, "Easy choices = Hard Life; Hard Choices = Easy Life." This principle applies to all aspects of life, including this course. Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth: if you feel uncomfortable asking a question, ask it anyway. If coordinating within group projects feels difficult, address it openly. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the new environment and changes, acknowledge those feelings and work through them. Facing these uncomfortable situations is precisely what will help you develop. Don't rely solely on the degree itself to advance your career. You need to put in genuine effort, consistently work on building your professional network – making full use of the university’s resources for this – and be proactive in seeking opportunities. If skills like concise communication and effective time management aren't your strengths, now is the perfect time to focus on improving them.

Furthermore, particularly for international students travelling abroad, I strongly advise starting your search for internship opportunities and networking immediately upon enrolling in the course. Being proactive and persistent in seeking opportunities is essential. And yes - brace yourself for the Italian visa process...it’s all part of the adventure!