Summary

The Project Management Office (PMO) is looking for an energetic, motivated, and dedicated Intern Project Coordinator/Manager with exceptional communication and writing skills to work alongside our Project Management Team on Information Technology (IT) related projects. We offer an opportunity to work in an enterprise environment focused on the achievement of managing and completing projects that align with the University's strategic goals and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Intern Project Coordinator/Manager has a primary responsibility to assist in managing and supervising administrative, technical, and financial aspects of assigned projects from project award to completion. The Intern will directly report to the Project Manager. Specific duties include but not be limited to:

• The Intern Project Coordinator/Manager will help with one or more projects that the PMO is working on, allowing opportunities to gain exposure and understanding of Project Management methodologies and processes in a professional environment
• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, ensure a smooth transition of awarded projects from Business Development to the PMO
• Assist Project Manager (PM) to ensure project requirements, standards, and documentation are followed
• Assist PM to ensure projects are in scope, on schedule, and within budget
• Provide an active role and use critical judgment in the development of all project deliverables
• Ensure quality and timely submission of all project deliverables and documentation as assigned by the PM
• Assist PM with reporting on the project status and health
• Assist PM with identifying, managing, and resolving project risks and issues
• Assist PM  with monitoring quality assurance and change control processes
• Proactively communicate with sponsors, team, and all other relevant stakeholders for each assigned project as directed by the PM
• Support to ensure compliance with all contractual commitments defined in contracts with vendors
• The Intern will learn from, and be supervised by, a mentor of the Project Management Office

Required Qualifications

• A junior, senior, or graduate student currently enrolled in a program with a focus on project management or management in technology at GVSU
• A strong interest in Project Management as a career is preferred
• Prior work experience in coordinating or managing projects is preferred
• Provide assistance to Project Manager (PM) with project requirements, scope, scheduling, budget, risk management, quality assurance, and project status and health
• Have an academic level of written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to actively listen, communicate in ways that foster trust and show flexibility
• Team spirit and the ability to work with a group of diverse people, provide recognition and reward
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-directed environment under deadline pressures
• Ability to manage own workload independently, multi-task, and prioritize effectively
• Demonstrate leadership, diplomacy, and motivational skills
• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail, research, and multitasking skills
• High computer literacy
• Perform other project management related task and other duties as assigned by the supervisor
• Signed confidentiality agreement

Timeframe

• One Semester
• Credit Hours: 3 Credits, 20hrs/week
• Hours – between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (some evenings may be required)
• If the intern distinguishes themselves there is an option to continue employment as a student employee past the internship semester.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment in Kindschi Hall of Science, Allendale Campus
• Meetings will be held in either an IT office, a conference room, or virtually

Technology Provided

• A department computer will be provided on-site
• Project management software
• Virtual conference provider

Supervision: Receives strategic and administrative direction from a professional within the IT Project Management Office.

Compensation: $15-$20 per hour

Learning Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

1. PMO Project Methodologies, Requirements, and Standards
   1. GOAL: To be able to follow project methodologies, requirements, and standards to assist in managing a project.
   2. OBJECTIVE: The student will apply principles, processes, and standards to provide structure to the delivery of the project.
   3. OUTCOME: The student should have a general understanding of project management fundamentals and the methodology types to implement projects.
2. Project Scope, Schedule, and Budget
   1. GOAL: To be able to manage the overall health of a project by keeping it in scope, on schedule, and within budget.
   2. OBJECTIVE: The student will assist with defining and/or following the scope of the work needed to complete the project, the timeline identified, and stay within the budget provided.
   3. OUTCOME: The student should have a general understanding of how to define the scope of a project; how to create a project schedule and manage resources; and maintain a project budget.
3. Project Risks and Issues
   1. GOAL: To be able to identify, monitor, and minimize project risks and issues.
   2. OBJECTIVE: The student will assist with creating and/or managing a Risk Registry and Issues Log for a project. They will identify risks, the impact, probability, and response. They will also manage issues by analyzing, prioritizing, monitor, control, and identifying a resolution.
   3. OUTCOME: The student should have a general understanding of both the risk and issue management processes and how to use them to manage a project.
4. Communication and Building Relationships
   1. GOAL: To be able to connect and communicate clearly with project sponsors, team, stakeholders, and vendors to manage the project successfully.
   2. OBJECTIVE: The student will sharpen their ability to actively listen, communicate clearly, and build trust with everyone involved in the project. They will facilitate meetings, drive discussions, provide direction, and address questions and concerns throughout the project.
   3. OUTCOME: The student should be confident and comfortable working with and communicating directly to leadership, project sponsors, team, stakeholders, and vendors throughout every aspect of a project.
5. Strategic Impact of Project
   1. GOAL: Learn and understand how projects deliver benefits and drive strategic success for an organization
   2. OBJECTIVE: The student will assist in managing a project and participate in discussions to ensure the project benefits are on target. They will assess and manage the strategic impact of decisions being made throughout the life of the project.
   3. exhibit foresight, independent thinking, resourcefulness, and the ability to make decisions.
   4. OUTCOME: The student should have a deeper understanding of how managing project benefits is the foundation to strategic success for an organization.