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.
The Program
GCA is an innovative virtual learning experience - JMU participants will work with peers from 60+ countries on real-world brand projects from established global companies such as SpaceX, L'Oreal, Intel, the Grammys, and charity: water. Over the course of the program, students engage in projects, learn to use industry tools, work in diverse teams, and join live sessions with company representatives to work on specific cases.
NEW - Starting Summer 2025, participants will complete AI-powered projects, co-designed with OpenAI and other brand partners. These projects will leverage AI technologies in the context of professional-level work.
Students may choose one of four tracks: Ecommerce, Web Coding, Data Analytics, Coding for Data, or Career Discovery (new track - more information coming soon!). 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 JMU credits (UNST 498), as well as skill badges and micro-credentials focused on industry tools and competencies.
*3 credits during Fall/Spring semester, 3 or 6-credit option during Summer term
Important Dates
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
| Summer session | June 2 - Aug 8, 2025 | May 28, 2025 |
| Fall semester | Aug 20 - Dec 5, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
| Spring semester | Jan 20 - May 6, 2026 | January 20, 2026 |
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.
