Frank Cupo (’21SPS) did not initially envision a career in construction or project management. Growing up in northern New Jersey in an Italian immigrant family of small business owners, he was exposed to entrepreneurship from an early age, but it was during his studies in Building and Construction Technology at UMass Amherst, and later a summer internship with a New Jersey general contractor, that he discovered the aspect of the industry that resonated most with him.
“I realized I was drawn to the process of taking a concept and turning it into something real,” Cupo explained. “I enjoyed the collaboration, problem-solving, and coordination required to move a project from planning through construction. Seeing a project evolve from an idea on paper into a space that people rely on every day is what continues to make the work rewarding.”
In a recent interview, Cupo discussed how his graduate education at Columbia SPS helped accelerate his professional growth and prepare him for leadership roles, including his current position as a senior project manager within the Planning, Design and Construction department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Cupo graduated from the former M.S. in Construction Administration program. Building on that program’s foundations, the new Construction concentration is now offered within the broader M.S. in Project Management program and in collaboration with Columbia Engineering’s Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.
What brought you to Columbia SPS?
While working in the industry, I quickly realized there were countless topics I was encountering every day that I wanted to understand more deeply. I was fortunate to be learning through real-world experience, but I also wanted to broaden my perspective and accelerate my professional development. I was eager to learn from people with different experiences and gain exposure to ideas that extended beyond my day-to-day responsibilities.
For me, pursuing a master’s at Columbia wasn’t simply about earning another credential. I wanted to deepen my technical understanding of construction and project delivery, while also gaining exposure to the management, business, and leadership concepts that influence how successful projects are delivered. My graduate studies provided an opportunity to challenge myself, expand my perspective, and continue developing both professionally and personally.
The curriculum combined technical, managerial, and business-focused coursework that I continue to draw upon today. Equally valuable were the faculty and fellow students, who were professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines across the industry. Learning alongside people with different experiences exposed me to perspectives I would not have encountered through my own career path alone, and those conversations often proved just as impactful as the coursework itself.
Ultimately, my Columbia experience accelerated my professional development, strengthened my confidence, and gave me a broader perspective that continues to influence how I approach projects, leadership, and decision-making today.
Tell us about your current role.
I'm a Senior Project Manager within Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Planning, Design and Construction department. Our department supports a diverse portfolio of projects and development initiatives across the institution, from infrastructure and facility improvements to larger planning and capital development efforts that help support the institution’s long-term goals.
One of the things I enjoy most about the role is the diversity and complexity of the work. Every project requires collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders and teams, all working toward a common goal. My role is centered on managing projects through all phases of planning, design, and construction, working closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, and project teams to help ensure projects are delivered successfully while balancing scope, schedule, budget, and operational needs.
What makes the work particularly rewarding is the opportunity to help shape environments that support the institution’s evolving needs. Whether we’re modernizing existing facilities, developing new spaces, or planning for future growth, we’re constantly thinking about how design, functionality, and the built environment can work together to support cancer care and research while creating spaces that feel welcoming, intuitive, and supportive for patients, their families, and staff.
The idea of helping bring projects from concept to a finished environment that becomes part of the institution’s day-to-day operations is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the work. Knowing those spaces will ultimately support patients, families, staff, and researchers for years to come gives the work meaning well beyond the construction process itself.
Was there a specific class or experience at Columbia that you have found particularly helpful for your career?
Construction Law stands out immediately.
While I found the subject interesting at the time, I have come to appreciate its importance even more throughout my career. Project success is often influenced by the legal, contractual, and organizational frameworks established long before construction begins. Understanding how responsibilities are allocated, risks are managed, and decisions are structured has proven incredibly valuable in helping me understand how complex projects are successfully delivered.
We were also fortunate to learn from outstanding faculty, including Tim Hegarty, whose practical approach to the subject left a lasting impression on me. The course challenged me to think about projects from a different perspective and provided insights that I continue to apply in my work today.
What advice would you give to prospective or current students?
My advice would be to make the most of your time in the program and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. Nobody is going to push you to learn more or challenge yourself beyond the minimum requirements—you have to be willing to do that on your own.
If you’re investing the time and effort to pursue a graduate degree, be intentional about it. Engage with the coursework, ask questions, seek out different perspectives, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from both your professors and classmates. The more you put into the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
I would also encourage students to take pride in being part of the Columbia community. You’re surrounded by talented and motivated people who are all investing in their own growth and development. Those relationships and shared experiences can be just as valuable as the education itself.
About the Program
The Columbia University Master of Science in Project Management program equips individuals with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills essential for a successful career managing complex projects across industries and borders.
Available full-time or part-time, the M.S. in Project Management is designed for professionals who want to advance into leadership roles or formalize their project management experience with a strong academic and practical foundation. Students can opt for the general Project Management program or choose from one of the four specialized concentrations: Construction, Sports Management, Sustainability Management, and Technology Management.
Taught by scholar-practitioners and enhanced by Columbia’s location in New York City, the curriculum integrates emerging digital tools and AI-driven practices to help graduates make data-informed decisions and improve operational efficiency. Graduates will be prepared to lead high-stakes projects with confidence and clarity, and return to the job market with a competitive edge.
Learn more about the program here.
