Project Management

About

Turn your ideas into impact.

The Project Management Summer School 2026 is a dynamic, hands-on learning experience designed for ambitious individuals who want to confidently plan, lead, and deliver successful projects. Whether you are a student, young professional, entrepreneur, or NGO practitioner, this program equips you with the practical tools and leadership mindset required to manage projects at local, regional, transnational, and international levels.

In today’s fast-changing world, project management is not optional — it is a core competence. Organizations across business, tech, social impact, public sector, and international development are looking for people who can organize teams, manage risks, control budgets, and deliver results. This summer school helps you become that person.

What You’ll Learn

Day 1:

Project Initiation & First Client Presentation
Introduction to the scenario and requirements.
Development of an initial project idea and presentation to the client. Goal: winning the contract.
Project initiation according to PMI’s “Initiating” process group.
Immediate feedback for improvement.

Day 2:
Planning & Client Feedback
Building and structuring the project team.
Development of a complete project plan based on PMI’s planning processes.
Presentation of the plan to the client—including feedback for further optimization.

Day 3

Change Management & Design Thinking
Planning of change management following the ADKAR model.
Start of practical implementation: first round of model construction based on
Design-Thinking-principles.
Presentation and feedback session with the client.

Day 4

Mastering Challenges
Second round of implementation: model construction under realistic conditions.
Influences such as unexpected problems, team demotivation, or difficult communication situations are deliberately introduced to simulate real project dynamics.
Evaluation of the results using monitoring and controlling processes.
Final presentation of this phase with another feedback round.

Day 5

Finalization & Project Closure
Final round of implementation: refining the city model.
Final presentation to the client—professional, structured, and convincing.
Official project closure following PMI’s closing processes.

What Makes This Program Different?

Learning Through Practical Experience
The summer school places a strong emphasis on active, hands-on learning:

Teams design an entire project life cycle themselves.
Each phase ends with a presentation and direct feedback.
Reflection is an integral component—turning experience into lasting knowledge.

The combination of realistic scenarios, methodological input, and intensive teamwork equips participants with competencies that can be applied directly in practice—from ideation to planning and control, all the way to stakeholder communication.

✔ Expert-Led Training – Gain insights from experienced project management professionals.
✔ Real-World Tools – Work with frameworks, methodologies, and planning instruments used globally.
✔ International Networking – Connect with participants from different countries and backgrounds.
✔ Experience Hamburg – Combine professional growth with cultural exchange and social events in one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.

Over the course of the program, you will move from understanding core principles to applying them in a final group project, building confidence and competence every step of the way.

If you are serious about strengthening your leadership capacity and expanding your career opportunities, this is not just a summer school — it’s an investment in your future.

Course leader

Hans Ahrens: Expert Consultant with a focus on project management and Design Thinking. Specialist in Classic and agile • Coaching for project managers • Simulations with Simultrain • Design Thinking • Policy advice (Consulting for political organisations)

Target group

Our Project Management Summer School is designed for:

✔ Beginners & Intermediate Learners – Anyone new to project management or looking to enhance their foundational knowledge.
✔ Students & Recent Graduates – Those seeking practical skills to boost their career prospects in various industries.
✔ Young Professionals & Career Changers – Individuals looking to develop leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills to excel in project-based roles.
✔ Entrepreneurs & Innovators – Those interested in managing business projects, startups, or community initiatives effectively.
✔ NGO & Social Impact Enthusiasts – People involved in non-profits, volunteering, or development projects who want to improve project execution and impact.
✔ Anyone Interested in Learning & Networking – If you’re curious about project management and eager to meet like-minded individuals while exploring Hamburg, this program is for you!

What more?— a willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow!

Course aim

In this intensive five-day summer school, participants immerse themselves deeply in the world of modern project management. Participants do not work only theoretically, but experience project management firsthand: they plan, act, reflect—and grow through their own experiences.

Fee info

Your fee covers everything you need to learn and thrive during the week: ✅ 5 full days of expert-led training ✅ Practical simulations and group project work ✅ All training materials and your certificate ✅ Coffee, tea, and snacks during sessions Accommodation and meals are not included.