The Center for Global Engagement has partnered with Podium Education to bring you the JMU Global Career Accelerator (GCA), a unique opportunity for students who desire global opportunities and technical skill development! Since 2019, Podium Education has successfully partnered with a variety of universities, including the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, New York University, Georgetown University, University of Michigan, and since 2024, James Madison University.

GCA is an innovative virtual learning experience - it allows JMU students the ability to work with peers from 60+ countries on real-world projects from prestigious global companies and non-profit organizations such as SpaceX, Intel, the Grammys, and Charity Water. Over the course of the program, students engage in project-based work, build competency in industry tools, work in diverse teams, and join live sessions with company representatives to work on specific cases.

Students may choose one of four tracks: Ecommerce, Web Coding, Data Analytics, or Coding for Data. Through this experience, students will acquire essential skills in intercultural communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and gain valuable internship experience – all in an accessible and flexible format.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn 3 or 6* credits in UNST 498. Students can obtain up to 3 skill badges or micro-credentials focused on industry tools and competencies.

In today's increasingly global and hybrid work environment, the ability to communicate and collaborate across diverse cultures and time zones is indispensable. We hope you consider this amazing opportunity to learn and grow! For questions about the Global Career Accelerator program or partnership with Podium Education, please contact cge@jmu.edu.

*6-credit option available only during 9-week Summer term