A college degree should be a direct path to a great career for all students.

That's why we created the Global Career Accelerator, a career platform that integrates exploration and hands-on experience directly into the classroom, all for college credit.

At Podium Education, we ensure every student—regardless of major or background—has the chance to explore careers, build in-demand skills, and gain real-world experience.

For Students: Develop the skills, experience, and guidance needed to explore careers and land job offers.

For Universities: Enhance retention and career outcomes by seamlessly integrating experiential learning into the degree at scale.

For Employers: Connect with diverse, well-prepared talent equipped with technical skills, communication abilities, and intercultural competencies.

94%

of program alumni would recommend the Global Career Accelerator to a friend or colleague.

95%

of employers are more likely to consider candidates with practical project experience, placing greater value on real-world skills over academic qualifications alone.

"The moment I took that first class, I knew I was gonna like this. It really made an impact on my career and it gave me an opportunity to grow."

Marco Zepeda, Coding for Web Track

"The Global Career Accelerator brought digital marketing down to a level that I could comprehend. I learned so much that I could apply right away."

Abbey Yoder, Digital Marketing Track

Our Story

Founded in 2019, Podium Education set out with a clear mission: to equip college students with the in-demand skills needed for today’s workforce while earning college credit. As the program evolved, we realized that technical skills alone weren’t enough—students also needed real-world experience to apply those skills and develop key abilities like intercultural communication and collaboration in distributed teams.

In response to this need, we expanded further. In 2023, we acquired Untapped, transforming our platform into a comprehensive career network. Now, students not only explore career paths but also connect directly with recruiters and employers, gaining the insights and opportunities necessary to land their first job.

At Podium, we’re committed to preparing students for the workforce by providing the skills, hands-on experience, and professional connections they need to succeed.

Introducing Our Leaders.

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We may be small, but we're mighty.

Brand Partners

Successful Campaigns

International Awards

1M+

Happy Customers

Our Leadership

Orly Bartour

VP, Learning Experience

Dan Blue

VP, Product

Kim Caldbeck

Chief Marketing Officer

John Fillmore

Chief Executive Officer

Isaac Gomez

Chief Technology Officer

Caroline Ickes

VP, Partner Experience

Eric Mackintosh Ph.D.

VP, Academic Operations

Tariq Meyers

Chief Careers Officer

Aled Owens

VP, University Partnerships

Christopher Parrish

Co-Founder & President, University Partnerships

Alex Ricken

Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer

Jocelyn Rojeck

Chief Operating Officer

Chris Laidley

Chief Financial Officer

Our Advisory Board

The Podium Education Advisory Board is a dynamic group of leaders from higher education and industry who help shape the future of our student programs. Together, they bring a range of expertise and perspectives to close the gap between traditional academics and the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Through collaboration and insight, the board challenges us to innovate, scale high-impact experiences, and ensure students graduate with the career skills, real-world experience, and industry connections they need to succeed in a competitive job market.