This summer, the Jackson School and UW Global are launching a new hands-on learning program called the Global Career Accelerator that puts University of Washington students directly in touch with some of the world’s most innovative companies.
Partnering with Podium Education, a company specializing in experiential education, the program moves beyond traditional coursework — students tackle real problems from partner companies while working alongside mentors from those organizations. Companies participating in the accelerator this summer include L’Oreal, The Grammys, Intel, and Charity: Water.
The quarterly 10-week program awards five academic credits and allows students to gain real-world experience before entering the workforce. Students can choose between four tracks (digital marketing, data analytics, career rotation, and coding for data) as well as synchronous or asynchronous formats to fit their summer schedules. The $2,300 program fee in the summer is in lieu of tuition, so financial aid applies for eligible students.
For students weighing summer options, the accelerator specifically offers a middle ground between a traditional internship and classroom learning. “It is an incredible opportunity for students to gain skills for career growth,” Dr. Cheryl Gordon, Assistant Director of Career Engagement & Experiential Learning at the Jackson School, said.
The virtual format eliminates geographic and scheduling barriers that often prevent undergraduates from pursuing internships. Students gain structured professional experience without relocating or committing to a single organization full-time. This flexibility accommodates students studying abroad, conducting research projects, or balancing multiple summer commitments.
Over 200 students from all three UW campuses have already enrolled in the accelerator for its first quarter, signaling significant interest in alternative pathways to professional development.
Starting this fall, students can register for the Global Career Accelerator via JSIS B 497 for autumn, winter, and spring quarters.
Students interested in learning more about the program can visit the Global Career Accelerator website for application details and deadlines or email jsisjobs@uw.edu.
