<p><span class="p-body">Porsha Seechung, a student in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Project Management</a> program at NYU SPS, is making waves in both her academic and professional life. With 20 years of professional experience already under her belt, Porsha entered the program with a strong technical background that she was excited to apply to her studies. We were excited to catch up with her recently to find out more about Porsha and her thoughts on the program so far.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Originally from the Philippines, Porsha now calls New York City her home. As an avid traveler, Porsha has 58 countries across six continents ticked off her travel bucket list and is looking forward to adding more. Her favorite part of travel? “For me, it’s about embracing different cultures, learning something new with every adventure, and thriving in unfamiliar environments while finding inspiration in every journey,” she shares.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Porsha came to NYU SPS almost serendipitously. After completing her undergraduate studies, she was mistaken for an NYU student due to her purple graduation gown at Radio City Music Hall because her alma mater’s colors were similar. She would joke, “Maybe for my next graduation,” never realizing how prophetic those words would be. Years later, Porsha found herself at NYU, pursuing her passion for project management. She chose NYU’s School of Professional Studies not only for the outstanding reputation but also for its convenient Midtown Manhattan location. Her choice, she feels, has been a perfect fit, offering an academic challenge and a sense of fulfillment.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Balancing a full-time job with her studies, Porsha quickly dove into student life at NYU. Over the years, she has held several leadership roles, including President of the Project Management Students Network (PMSN) and Treasurer of the <a href="https://engage.nyu.edu/organization/sps-graduate-student-council" target="_blank">Graduate Student Council</a>. Her commitment has been recognized with multiple awards, including &quot;Student Leader of the Year&quot; and &quot;Program of the Year&quot; for organizing the inaugural <a href="https://events.nyu.edu/event/326898-ai-nexus-summit-where-business-meets-artificial">AI Nexus Summit</a>. She believes in the power of proactive leadership and has been a driving force behind innovative initiatives within the SPS community, such as the DPB Student Event, which brought together student clubs and industry professionals for a multidisciplinary collaboration. “There’s a unique thrill in creating a first-of-its-kind initiative,” Porsha says, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of launching such a project. This experience has been a significant building block, demonstrating her ability to lead complex projects and drive meaningful impact.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">While she hasn't taken specific hands-on courses like a capstone or practicum, Porsha has leveraged her full-time work experience to enrich classroom discussions and enhance her learning journey. She often integrates her professional experiences with academic theory, using real-world scenarios to dissect situations in her papers and class discussions. This dynamic interplay between theory and practice has allowed her to apply new concepts to her job, refining her approach and contributing to her career development. She also participated in <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/students/getting-involved/leadership-and-service/volunteer-service/alternative-breaks.html" target="_blank">NYU Alternative Breaks</a>, which emphasizes experiential learning through impactful community partnerships during school breaks. This allowed Porsha to deepen her commitment to using her skills for the greater good.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The MS in Project Management program at NYU SPS has been a game-changer for Porsha, allowing her extensive background to join forces with the technical expertise required in the field. The program has empowered her to combine her diverse skills with project management concepts, learning both theory and practical insights from professors who are seasoned industry practitioners. She feels prepared to take on higher-level roles with confidence and strategic insight, ready to make a meaningful impact in any organization.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One of the most impactful parts of her time at NYU so far has been the wide range of classes that complement each other and collectively contribute to her growth. Courses like <i>Principles of Project Management </i>provided the essential foundation for her career pivot, while <i>Leading Global Organizations</i> allowed her to refine her leadership style, steering her toward becoming a transformational leader committed to positive impact. <i>The Strategist</i> course shifted her approach to dynamic strategic thinking, where adaptability and creativity are key, and <i>Agile Project Management</i> emphasized flexibility in delivering value. Altogether, these courses have provided Porsha with a holistic view of managing projects and leading teams, equipping her to navigate multifaceted business environments effectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Porsha aspires to pivot into a project management role within a company, where she can start with projects of varying complexity and grow into a strategic leadership position. She hopes to influence the profitability, sustainability and societal impact of organizations, ultimately becoming a visionary and transformational leader who drives meaningful change. For incoming NYU SPS students, Porsha’s advice is to be proactive and take the initiative.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Throughout her time at NYU, Porsha has managed to thrive in her career with a full-time job while making an impact on the SPS community. In the process, she’s also become an expert at finding balance and taking care of herself while embracing opportunities to learn, seeking new perspectives, and striving to make a positive impact.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Join the next wave of change-making students when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Project Management</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>