Career Accelerator with Braven

A 3-credit course for UMass Lowell sophomores and transfer juniors

In collaboration with the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS), the Career Accelerator with Braven is a 3-credit course (FAHS.2800) designed to help prepare undergraduates for the competitive, globalized job marketplace. This course satisfies the Career Connected Experience requirement in FAHSS. 

During the course, students are immersed in an experiential learning environment that gives them the roadmap and tools to channel their ambition and hard work towards their professional careers. Fellows will:

  • Create a professional portfolio (e.g. a resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter);
  • Learn and grow in small, interactive cohorts led by a Leadership Coach;
  • Collaborate on a real-world Capstone Challenge to solve a problem posed by an employer partner—building teamwork, critical thinking, and professional presentation skills;
  • Practice interview skills during mock interviews with professionals from partnering organizations; and
  • Fulfills FAHSS career-connected requirement 
Ry Beck
Ry Beck
Assistant Executive Director, Delta Sigma Phi

Ry volunteers with students at Rutgers University-Newark.

The opportunity to coach emerging leaders during such a pivotal time in their college journey was incredibly rewarding. Years later, I still keep in touch with members of my coaching group.
Paola Carchi stands in hallway leaning on glass door
Paola Carchi
Spring 2023 Fellow, The City College of New York

Paola Carchi now works as Human Resources Compliance Coordinator at White Glove Community Care.

My Braven Leadership Coach reminded me that patience and consistency matter. When I was overwhelmed about my future, she shared her own story, helped me see I wasn’t alone—and that perspective gave me the confidence to land my first role in HR.
Raphael Pereira sits on a metal bench outsode
Raphael Pereira
Spring 2023 Fellow, Rutgers University-Newark

Raphael Pereira now works as a Technology Liaison Analyst for MetLife.

Braven helped me grow so much. The mock interviews boosted my confidence and gave me real insight into what employers are looking for. More than anything, Braven gave me a supportive community that’s been key in starting my career.
Priyal Patel
Priyal Patel
Spring 2023 Fellow, Rutgers University-Newark

Priyal Patel now works as Senior Program Integrity Analyst at Zizatek.

Braven gave me the space to grow—personally and professionally. The small group sessions helped me build real connections with my peers, while the larger discussions challenged me with new ideas.
Florence Olumodimu
Florence Olumodimu
Scrum Master, Lululemon

Florence volunteers with students at San José State University.

Serving as a Braven Leadership Coach has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Watching my mentee’s dedication and enthusiasm turn into real growth was inspiring.

The Career Accelerator with Braven is broken down into three sections. Throughout the course, students (called Fellows) are teamed up in small cohorts with other UMass Lowell Fellows from various majors, allowing them to connect with peers and form connections outside their academic area of study.

Design Your Career (4 weeks)

While bonding with a cohort of Fellows by sharing core value stories, students will explore leadership, values and career interests, which will help them create a career project plan.

Launch Your Career (4 weeks)

Fellows build or refine their resumes, develop their interview skills through mock interviews and informational interviews with professionals, and learn to communicate their stories and strengths clearly and concisely. They receive extensive feedback on their cover letters and mock interviews, and practice their skills at networking events.

Capstone Challenge (6 weeks)

Each semester, Braven partners with a local employer for the Capstone Challenge, a five-week project where Fellows use design thinking to solve a real-world problem proposed by the employer. Fellows present their solutions to employers and develop teamwork, leadership, project planning and public speaking skills.

Upon completion of the course, Fellows receive access to additional optional opportunities to develop leadership and career readiness skills, engage in an enduring professional network, and stay on track to securing strong internships and jobs. All Fellows will have the opportunity to: 

  • Participate in a 12-week professional 1:1 mentoring program in their desired field as they get closer to the time of their job search.
  • Receive industry-specific Braven-specific emails announcing job and internship opportunities through their selected Career Community.
  • Have access to attend employer events and skillbuilders where they can learn more about a specific industry, roles, or build a network.  
  • Get access to MyBraven and join the Braven National Network with peers from other colleges and universities nationwide for community support and resources after the course to launch your career.