Learn it. Apply it. Live it. Nick Cromydas Discover this place.
Shape your world. 速
Chicago, IL Vanderbilt University Communication, Managerial Studies, Corporate Strategy
VANDERBILT ACCELERATOR
Build skills that win jobs. Hit the ground running. Accelerator®—Vanderbilt Summer Business Institute is an intensive, fast-paced, four-week summer immersion in business, designed exclusively for undergraduates and recent college graduates. This program puts you on an accelerated track from the classroom to the business world. In just four weeks, you will n learn from the best that Vanderbilt has to offer—the same
world-class faculty who teach the business courses in Vanderbilt’s prestigious MBA program. n get hands-on experience solving real-world problems for six
real companies. n make presentations to senior executives, helping you to build
invaluable confidence as you prepare to transition to the working world. n build valuable connections through networking events with CEOs
and upper-level managers who make hiring decisions for their companies. In addition, corporate partners often offer summer internships to Accelerator students who worked on projects for their companies. n receive one-on-one career counseling with coaching and instruction
focused on your personal strengths and weaknesses, helping you to build a strong personal brand. n strengthen individual and teamwork skills—both important
to employers. n work at a fast pace—and have fun. You’re constantly on the go,
from a networking breakfast to classes to project work to a client presentation to a group outing.
Accelerator students have served as consultants for the following companies:
Do more than you ever imagined. The immersive, real-world project experience that serves as the foundation of Accelerator sets it apart from other undergraduate summer business programs. You assume the role of a consultant and are challenged to deliver the best solutions to current business problems for participating organizations. You’ll interact directly with key decision makers, including CEOs, whom you might never meet in internships or entry-level positions. Most project launches take the students on-site to company headquarters, providing unparalleled access and exposure to resources.
SAMPLE PROJECT
The Challenge: Design a program that would leverage Bridgestone’s sports relationships to increase brand awareness and drive tire sales in small towns.
“I can’t describe how unreal it feels to be presenting to top executives of major corporations and hear how excited they are about our ideas and how they plan to implement them.” Tori Wycoff Vanderbilt University Human and Organizational Development
The Solution: Since small-town residents may not have a strong affiliation to a major professional sports team, the students recommended that the company form a new partnership with Little League Baseball. The students chose to focus on a marketing campaign for Firestone tires because they sell better than the Bridgestone brand in small towns. To save marketing dollars, the student team proposed building the new campaign into existing baseball-themed Firestone television commercials. Other plan elements included Little Leaguebranded signage for all small-town Firestone stores and local Little League team sponsorships. The solution offered unique exposure for the Firestone brand on both local and national levels. Bridgestone executives really liked the team’s idea and admitted they would have “never thought of it.”
Four weeks and one life-changi What students are saying about Accelerator… “Vanderbilt’s Accelerator program is the only undergraduate program that provides students with the opportunity to engage in real-life consulting projects with businesses in the Nashville area. I don’t think there is a better program out there.” Kaitlin Key University of Dayton Psychology
“Accelerator instilled in me the confidence and drive to be successful in any endeavor.” Hewsan Pang American University Public Affairs and Administration
“Accelerator was, without a doubt, an invaluable part of my education.” Robert Turton Vanderbilt University Chemical Engineering
“Not only has it provided me with some of the best connections in Nashville, but now I can include on my resume more than 100 hours of MBA-level coursework and experience as a consultant on six real-world projects.” Knight Hammock Sewanee: The University of the South Mathematics
Hands down the most valuable, impactful educational experience I have ever had. Casey Morgan UCLA Economics
Get a snapshot into Accelerator! Visit owen.vanderbilt.edu/accelerator
ing experience. Accelerator®—Vanderbilt Summer Business Institute is designed to motivate, instill confidence and develop key business skills in students. Our promise is that you will leave this program with a new zest for your career, a renewed sense of self and an energetic spirit, ready and willing to hit the ground running.
What parents are saying about Accelerator… “One of the finest business educational programs we have ever witnessed.” Bev and Gary Carpenter Parents of Cory Carpenter “The best investment we have ever made in Michael’s education.” Margie and P.G. Gottfried Parents of Michael Gottfried “Following the Accelerator program, our daughter Emily earned an internship at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Her resume also now includes work for American Airlines, FedEx and Whirlpool, to name a few.” Diane and Frank Agostino Parents of Emily Agostino To obtain curriculum and admissions details, view student and project spotlights, submit an online application and much more, visit owen.vanderbilt.edu/accelerator. We also invite you to email us at accelerator@vanderbilt.edu or call 615.343.6291 with any questions.
180,000
The number of minutes an Accelerator student spends sharing ideas and solving problems for real companies.
75
%
The percentage of Accelerator students who get hired as interns following completion of the program.
57
The number of companies that have had real issues solved by Accelerator students since 2006.
About 60 The number of universities that have been represented at Accelerator since the program began.
On our cover
Nick Cromydas Charity Starter. Tennis Coach. World Shaper. As captain of the men’s tennis team at Vanderbilt, Nick Cromydas already experienced college life at an accelerated pace. The heavy demands of a two-semester sport didn’t deter him from earning a spot on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll for four straight years. Still, he says, “as a student-athlete you often have little time to think of exactly what you plan to do after you graduate.” He applied to the Accelerator program after a favorite professor told him that many of his peers who found themselves in postcollege “life limbo” gained a lot from the Accelerator experience… To read the rest of Nick’s story, visit
owenworldshapers.com/NickCromydas.html
Our Promise To students:
Here is a place where you will be challenged to achieve your potential; find support as you shape your future; discover lifelong friends and mentors; and open doors to new possibilities.
To business:
To faculty and staff:
To alumni:
Here is a place where you can engage, think, reach, teach, influence people, and transform the world around you.
Accelerator®—Vanderbilt Summer Business Institute Owen Graduate School of Management 401 21st Avenue South Nashville TN 37203-2422
Here is a place where you will find the men and women who have the skills, the drive, and the determination to move your organization forward. Here is a place that you can call home, build business relationships, and inspire those who follow to reach even higher.
Telephone: 615.343.6291 Facsimile: 615.343.7177 Email: accelerator@owen.vanderbilt.edu Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, US Central Time
Discover this place. Shape your world.®
owen.vanderbilt.edu/accelerator ©2011 Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management Rev. 10/11 Printed on recycled paper.
Vanderbilt is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university.