Students at Program graduationThe Career Accelerator Program (CAP) is focused on the transition to management and the skills needed for those who have an interest and leadership potential to succeed at higher levels of responsibilities. Delivered in a virtual format of six (6) microlearning sessions over the course of 4 months, CAP offers flexibility for two key talent segments: individual contributors that have not been given a managerial opportunity and supervisors that have been in a first-line managerial position for more than 10 years.

CAP aids in career advancement from individual contributor and first-line supervisor to leader of teams to business unit leader. This innovative and intensive experience is unique from other leadership development as it incorporates cultural awareness and workplace competency throughout the entire experience.

CAP is open to all and based on participants’ achievements and contribution to their organization’s purpose and business objectives.

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Register for the Cohort that Works for you - Explore Below

Course feature Course detail
Dates: –
Topic: Leadership
Format: On Campus
Location: SMU Cox School of Business
Credentialing:

Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate.
Price:

Please contact us at 214.768.8232 or leadershiplab@smu.edu for group pricing information.
Questions?

To learn more, contact us at 214.768.8232 or leadershiplab@smu.edu

Topics & Program Details

Program Objectives

  • Prepare leaders for sustained success at higher levels of responsibility
  • Develop critical business and leadership skills
  • Aid the transition from individual contributors and supervisors to high performance leaders of teams

Achieved Through

  • Practical and interactive learning experiences
  • Awareness of cultural barriers and opportunities for advancement
  • Networking with experienced senior managers

Session 1: Cultural Foundations with José Antonio Bowen

This session will help participants think about who they are, how they are perceived and provide tools to influence both their own thinking and thinking of others.

Session 2: Response to Change with Jerry Magar

This session will help participants learn how their own behavioral and communication styles correspond to others and how the management or alteration of those styles can significantly impact the overall success of groups and relationships.

Session 3: Brand and Networking with José Antonio Bowen

This session will help participants  practice meaningful conversations and discuss the reciprocal relationships which are the foundation of networks, social capital and leadership.

Session 4: Trust and Influence with Jerry Magar

During the session we will focus on leveraging trust and influence to get results.  You’ll develop skills to influence others, enhance your credibility, and manage difficult situations with bosses, peers and direct reports.  

Session 5: Trust and Influence: Difficult Conversations with Jerry Magar

This session will build on the concepts from the previous session.  It will apply the tools specifically to holding difficult conversations that build and restore trust while solving the challenge at hand.

Session 6: Transition to Management with José Antonio Bowen

During the session we will explore how teams work (or don’t work) and how motivation, incentives, trust and conflict interact.

Who Should Attend?

The Career Accelerator Program (CAP) is designed for:

  • High-potential individual contributors seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and prepare for future growth opportunities.
  • Front-line supervisors looking to enhance their leadership effectiveness and expand their professional impact.
  • Professionals with at least five years of experience who are ready to take the next step in their career development.
  • Individuals seeking to increase their influence, navigate career transitions, and build the skills needed for long-term success.
  • Employees preparing for future management opportunities or broader leadership responsibilities.

Schedule

Delivered over four months, CAP consists of six interactive learning sessions and offers three cohort options. The program is built around the pivotal moments professionals encounter as they advance in their careers. Participants gain practical strategies for leading difficult conversations, transitioning into management, delegating effectively, navigating change, and strengthening the leadership skills required for continued growth and advancement. 

Module Yellow Cohort Red Cohort Blue Cohort
Session 1: Cultural Foundations and Awareness March 1, 2027 March 2, 2027 March 2, 2027
Session 2: Navigating Change March 22, 2027 March 23, 2027 March 23, 2027
Session 3: Driving Performance, Engagement and Trust April 19, 2027 April 20, 2027 April 20, 2027
Session 4: Brand and Social Capital May 3, 2027 May 4, 2027 May 4, 2027
Session 5: Difficult Conversations May 17, 2027 May 18, 2027 May 18, 2027
Session 6: Transition to Management June 14, 2027 June 15, 2027 June 15, 2027

LEARN MORE

Contact Ana Rodriguez, Executive Director for the Leadership Lab, at leadershiplab@smu.edu or 214.768.8232 to learn more about the Career Accelerator Program.

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Course Certification

We have partnered with Credly to translate the learning outcomes you’ve demonstrated into a badge, issued and managed through Credly's digital badging platform.

Click here to learn more about this Credly certification

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Next Steps

Questions? Not sure which program fits your needs? Reach out to our team.

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