Leveraging Personal Networks to Support Authentic IDPT Project Management Experiences for Online Doctoral Students

Abstract: Project management in IDPT relies heavily on interpersonal communication skills and theoretical knowledge of agile project management principles to meet shifting client needs and expectations. How can these skills and requisite knowledge be taught for effective and appropriate future use in any modality within a fully online doctoral course? Panel presenters share successful strategies used by leveraging personal networks to connect IDPT students and IDPT professionals for mentored project management experiences solving real-world client needs, producing beneficial deliverables for clients, and using a generalizable “paying it forward” approach embedded into a program course.