Tech Program Gives FAU Students Resume-Building Skills to Launch Careers

Florida Atlantic University is again partnering with Podium Education to give valuable career experience to undergraduates.

FAU students will participate this spring in The Global Tech Experience (GTX) program, receiving academic credit, gaining work experience and developing skills in data analytics, web coding and digital marketing.

GTX will launch with Intel, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, and the international nonprofit Charity: Water. Students will learn about company goals from executives and solve real-world problems, giving them resume-boosting experience to land internships and entry-level positions.

The undergrads build skills in such areas as Tableau, Shopify, Python and digital ads platforms Meta, TikTok and Google, according to Podium. The experiential education company said students work in small groups with other students from more than 50 countries. GTX has no prerequisites and is open to students from all majors and backgrounds.

FAU started the program in 2022 and typically serves about 50 students a year, said Marc Rhorer, Ph.D., an assistant dean who coordinates GTX for the College of Business. The program is delivered online, with students working some on their own independently while also completing required workshop hours involving projects and teamwork exercises.

Students completing the program earn six credits – three for the business application component and three for the intercultural teamwork skills from applied workshop sessions.

“The partnership is important because it provides meaningful skills in key business areas that students can use to advance their careers,” Rhorer said. “Students gain valuable exposure to business processes and people through their projects for major firms and have the opportunity to develop interpersonal and teamwork skills working with others from different backgrounds from around the world.”

Rhorer manages the program in cooperation with FAU’s Student Academic Services, department chairs from Marketing and Information Technology and FAU’s Center for Global Engagement.

Rhorer noted that FAU is in good company, with such institutions as Georgetown University, University of Michigan and New York University also participating. The University of South Florida, University of Miami and Jacksonville University are also offering the program. 

“Partnering with Podium Education aligns with our mission of providing our students with experiential education opportunities,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Business. “We are proud to be one of four Florida universities launching the Global Tech Experience program where students learn in-demand skills and gain real work experience, preparing them for roles in Florida’s expanding tech job market.” 

Among Florida universities,1,500 students have completed the GTX program, with 80% reporting that the experience made their degrees more valuable, according to Podium.

“The research underscores that early career experiences need to evolve, and we can't limit ourselves to traditional internships that are not accessible or scalable," said Chris Parrish, Podium’s co-founder. "We're thrilled to work with our university partners on this new model to ensure all undergraduate students get invaluable early career experience with iconic brands."

To learn more about FAU’s GTX program, click here.

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