By Kara Sherrer
For summer 2020, Accelerator® pivoted from an in-person model to an online-only program, Accelerator® Virtual Business Immersion, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a successful first run, Accelerator® Virtual Business Immersion will be offered again next year, from June 6-12, 2021.
The program is designed to provide college students and recent graduates with a real consulting and marketing experience to build their resume, along with self-paced business acumen. Accelerator® Virtual Business Immersion offers two tracks — Leading Virtual Teams and Business Essentials — which can be completed separately or sequentially. Both tracks are open enrollment, with a streamlined application process, and participants earn a certificate upon completion of each.
Jon Lehman
“The Accelerator Virtual Business Immersion is the fastest way I know of to gain real world business experience. Whether a student is trying to stand out by building the skills employers seek or simply exploring business as a career path, this experience gives them a huge leg up. In a challenging business environment, participation in Accelerator separates the successful job seeker from the rest of the pack,” said Jon Lehman, Faculty Director for Accelerator® Business Immersions at Vanderbilt.
Leading Virtual Teams is a one-week, project-based track with live instruction, group project work, and career development. Participants will learn to work with and lead teams in a virtual world; gain business knowledge to tackle today’s challenges; and develop higher-level skills to engage potential clients and customers online. They will also receive individual career coaching and professional development. The track is designed to equip students with a foundational understanding of consulting, marketing, and working in a virtual world.
Accelerator® Business Essentials is a 3-day online track offering foundational, self-paced online business classes prior to the start of Leading Virtual Teams. Students will gain a broad understanding of the concepts and applications in the areas of Leadership, Operations, Innovation, and Personal Branding.
Kelly Goldsmith
“The Accelerator Virtual Business Immersion course is an asset for anyone interested in a career in business,” said Associate Professor of Marketing Kelly Goldsmith, who teaches in the program. “Through structured team-based learning, the course provides deep insights into real business problems. Students benefit from one-on-one mentoring and fast, efficient collaboration that few other programs are able to offer. Through this process, they develop personal tools for both analytical and strategic thinking.”
Leading Virtual Teams takes place June 6-12, 2021. Participants taking both tracks are encouraged to complete the Business Essentials track ahead of Leading Virtual Teams. Click here to learn more about the program and register, or read this recap of last year’s programming.
