<p><span class="p-body">Bringing both military discipline and corporate experience to NYU SPS, Professor Paul Meadows teaches courses in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" target="_blank" title="MS in Project Management">MS in Project Management</a> program. His career began in the United Kingdom as a Signals Intelligence Specialist and Troop Commander in the British Army. During his service, Meadows pursued academic achievements, earning a Master's degree in Project Management from the University of Liverpool and a Higher National Certificate in Computer Studies from Nottingham Trent University. His professional path included roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Lazard Asset Management, where he honed his project management skills.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">We were thrilled to speak with Meadows about his transition into teaching at the university level, his advice for future leaders in the project management field, and more.</span></p>
Transition to Teaching
<p>Professor Meadows' transition to teaching started as an adjunct instructor for Columbia University, where he taught a project management bootcamp. This experience led him to a full-time position as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU SPS, teaching project management.</p>
<p>Mentoring and coaching come naturally to Meadows, whose passion for teaching is deeply rooted in his military background. He finds great satisfaction in sharing his experiences and watching his students grow and succeed. "The opportunity to influence and shape the next generation of professionals is incredibly fulfilling," Meadows says. His dedication is evident in his commitment to ensuring that students can apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios.</p>
Student Experience
<p>Students in Meadows' program appreciate the practical and applicable nature of the courses. They learn traditional, hybrid, and agile project management methodologies, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Meadows takes pride in high levels of student engagement and their subsequent career advancements.</p>
<p>Teaching comes with its challenges, particularly in adapting to diverse learning styles and keeping the curriculum current in a rapidly evolving field. Despite these challenges, Meadows thrives on the feedback and success of his students. One of Meadows' favorite courses to teach is the Capstone program.</p>
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<p>"My favorite course to teach is the Capstone program. It's particularly rewarding because it covers the full spectrum of project management methodologies and allows me to draw on my broad industry experience. It's like taking students on a deep-sea dive, exploring real-world problems, and emerging with practical, pragmatic solutions that they then take with them post-graduation."</p>
My favorite course to teach is the Capstone program. It's particularly rewarding because it covers the full spectrum of project management methodologies and allows me to draw on my broad industry experience. It's like taking students on a deep-sea dive, exploring real-world problems, and emerging with practical, pragmatic solutions that they then take with them post-graduation."
Advice for Students
<p><span class="p-body">For current students, Meadows emphasizes prioritizing adaptability and continuous skill improvement. "The field of project management is dynamic, and those who can effectively incorporate new methodologies and technologies will be best positioned to lead successful projects," he advises. He likens this adaptability to fishing, where changing bait can lead to better results. Embracing lifelong learning is crucial for success.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">As technology advances, Meadows encourages new leaders in project management to stay informed about emerging trends. This involves professional development through certifications, training programs, and industry conferences. Fostering a culture of innovation and adopting new tools and methodologies are also key strategies for staying competitive.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">To prospective students, Meadows highlights the importance of networking and building strong professional relationships. "The project management field thrives on collaboration, and having a robust network can open doors to new opportunities and resources," he says. He advises students to approach their studies with an open mind and a willingness to challenge themselves, assuring them that the skills and knowledge gained at NYU SPS will provide significant advantages in their careers.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Join Professor Meadows and other forward-thinking professionals in the classroom when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" target="_blank" title="MS in Project Management">MS in Project Management</a>.</span></p>