As she approached graduation from Columbia University with a degree in financial economics, Ash Lopez was considering a career in consulting. Then an email promoting Vanderbilt’s Accelerator program appeared in her inbox. “The subject line immediately caught my eye,” she says. “The program offered the ideal blend of personal and career development as I prepared to transition into my full-time job.”

Ash ultimately accepted an investment banking position with Bloomberg in New York, and she credits Accelerator with helping to clarify her professional and educational goals. “I solidified my interest in investment banking, and the program provided me with valuable guidance on which academic programs align best with my career goals,” she says. “I now intend to pursue a master’s degree in finance.”

Ash counts her 3 weeks in the Accelerator program as an investment that paid immediate dividends. “The focus on business fundamentals, real-world experience, and career preparation aligned perfectly with my goals, and the certificate I earned validated my commitment to professional development and provided tangible recognition of the skills and knowledge I gained,” she says. “The faculty and mentors went above and beyond to tailor the experience to my aspirations. The personalized support helped me see how transferable skills from consulting could enhance my effectiveness in investment banking.”

She also appreciated the program’s focus on interpersonal skills and its individualized approach. “My Accelerator training emphasized that career success is not just about technical skills but also about emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and purpose-driven actions—a key takeaway that’s now guiding my professional journey, helping me navigate challenges and opportunities with confidence and purpose,” she says. “And I was pleasantly surprised by how much emphasis was placed on understanding each participant as an individual—our passions, ambitions, and specific career goals.”

Vanderbilt’s Nashville location was also a factor in Ash’s decision. “I was feeling a bit homesick for Tennessee,” the Memphis native confesses, “and this program offered me an opportunity to be closer to home while setting a strong foundation for my career.”

Fun Fact: Art and karaoke are her go-to outlets for creativity and fun.

The [Accelerator program’s] focus on business fundamentals, real-world experience, and career preparation aligned perfectly with my goals.