Laura Per-Lee grew up in a family of strong businesswomen. During her freshman year at Furman, she began to see herself as a woman who also could fit into the business world.

She decided to pursue a summer business program, she says, “to learn more about specific career opportunities, to develop my professional skills (resumé writing, LinkedIn, interviewing, presenting and networking) and to learn about what getting an MBA would be like. I wanted to walk into my junior year of college prepared and with a sense of direction.”

Coming into Accelerator, however, Laura had concerns. “I did not think I was prepared enough or knowledgeable enough in business to participate in this program,” she says. The experience changed her thinking.

“No matter where you are in your education, there is no better way to learn than just jumping in,” she says. “There were days I was so lost in how to solve problems and approach a situation. I failed many times, but the coaches, mentors and my classmates encouraged me to keep trying and improving. I learned that you don’t have to be the smartest person to succeed and to make a difference in the world.

“Accelerator was the most beneficial experience I have had in learning about myself and preparing for my future. I learned I am capable to achieve so much more than I ever thought. I learned new ways to think, problem-solve, and collaborate with others. Learning these things about myself has given me the confidence to expand my horizons when I dream."

Fun Fact: At the end of her freshman year, Laura studied abroad in Israel and Jordan.

“I did not think I was prepared enough or knowledgeable enough in business to participate in this program.”