The Career Accelerator program at USC has been nominated for a PIEoneer Award recognizing innovation and achievement in international education.

 The University of South Carolina’s Career Accelerator is a finalist in the “Progressive Education Delivery” category of the 2018 PIEoneer Awards. The Career Accelerator is a bespoke career services program specifically for international students. The program is being recognized for its success in preparing students for the modern, international workplace. 

The Career Accelerator, a key component of the university’s International Accelerator Program, was created in conjunction with Shorelight Education and the University of South Carolina’s Career Center to support international students in pursuing their career goals. The program helps international students develop essential professional skills and the confidence to engage with employers at career fairs, information sessions and other networking events.  

“The goal was to increase international student engagement with the USC Career Center through offerings that were more inclusive of their unique needs … and to connect international students with services early in their studies,” said Career Accelerator Program Manager Tonya Creamer. “Ultimately, we also hoped to have a positive impact on their retention, academic success and satisfaction with the university.”

Through this career preparation program, University of South Carolina international students have developed résumé, interviewing and networking skills that led them to acquire internships at companies such as Bank of China, Webitude Info in India, Ag First Credit Bank in Columbia, SC and Mercedes-Benz in Charleston, SC. 

 The PIEoneer Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday, September 7th in London, England. The awards are given each year to companies globally that champion the international education industry in leading student support.