Carsyn Christel chose business management as her undergraduate major—a path that provides entrées to scores of other paths in the business world. She saw the Accelerator Summer Business Immersion program as a way to gain a clearer sense of direction.

“The certificate was a bonus,” says the Florida native, “but what really stood out to me was the program’s reputation for helping students discover their strengths and clarify their career interests. I heard amazing things about how Accelerator offers hands-on experience, real-world learning, and strong professional connections. It seemed the perfect chance to learn and grow personally and professionally.”

What she experienced in the program exceeded her high expectations. “I didn’t expect to learn so much about the wide range of career paths out there,” she says. “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, especially how I operate within team dynamics, which has been incredibly eye opening and valuable. The program helped me clarify which aspects of different career paths interest me—and which don’t. Accelerator challenged me to grow beyond what I thought was possible, pushing me to discover my strengths and embrace new opportunities.”

What she calls “the personal aspect” stood out most to Carsyn. “You’re not just listening to business professionals share their stories and insights,” she says. “You’re building genuine connections with them. The community here is so close knit and supportive, and the advice I’ve received is incredibly valuable. I felt like I learned more here than I ever have in a traditional classroom.

“The coaches and professionals go out of their way to support you and genuinely want you to succeed. On top of that, my peers have been incredible; it’s inspiring to learn from their diverse backgrounds and experiences, which created a collaborative and motivating environment. This is more than just a program. It’s a community that empowers you to step confidently into your future.”