B.R.I.L.L.A. Career Accelerator

Building Resilience, Innovation, Leadership, and Learning Accelerator (B.R.I.L.L.A.)

Sponsored by the Center for Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies (CLACX) in partnership with the Vanderbilt Career Center.

The Building Resilience, Innovation, Leadership, and Learning Accelerator (B.R.I.L.L.A.) is a career development program sponsored by the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (CLACX) in partnership with the Career Center. Designed with students’ needs and experiences in mind, the program empowers CLACX and all Vanderbilt students to succeed. Participants benefit from expert-led workshops, career-readiness training, and employer site visits. Through this strategic partnership with the Vanderbilt Career Center, students are equipped to thrive both personally and professionally. Grounded in community and professional growth, the program provides students with practical tools to navigate the workforce with confidence, cultivate relationships, and strengthen their professional brand.

With two sessions in the fall and two in the spring, this cohort-based model integrates career sessions, networking opportunities, and employer engagement to provide a high-impact experience without placing a significant time burden on students. Attend all sessions to earn a certificate of completion, receive a VandyPASS badge to showcase your skills and gain access to immersive experiences with a variety of employers.

Application Period
September 18 – October 9, 2025

How to Apply:

Please make sure you upload a Word document with your responses to the following questions:

• Personal Information:
  • Full Name:
  • VU net ID:
  • Email Address:
  • Pronouns:  
• Academic Information:
  • Current Major(s):
  • Expected Graduation Date:
• Program Specific Questions: 
  • What are your career goals, and how do you think this program will help you achieve them?
  • Please describe a significant challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
  • Any additional comments or information you believe is important for your application.

Please also upload a Resume/CV.

If you have questions, please contact luisa.mattos.da.costa@vanderbilt.edu, CLACX Program Coordinator.

Program Structure & Timeline:

Fall Semester

Session 1: Program Introduction & Picture Your Career Workbook
Wednesday, October 15 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Conference Room - Garland Hall 134
Students will reflect on values, career goals, and personal interests while exploring how academic choices inform career pathways. The session begins with a program orientation and introduction to materials, including padfolios, a professional development book, and the Picture Your Career workbook.

Session 2: Building Your Brand & Storytelling as a Professional
Tuesday, November 11 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Conference Room - Garland Hall 134
Students will learn how to craft personal narratives, review and refine résumés, create LinkedIn profiles, and practice communicating their strengths with authenticity and confidence.

Spring Semester

Session 3: Networking for Success
Wednesday, February 4 | 4:30–6:30 PM | Garrido Cafecito Lounge, CLACX Suite - Garland Hall 140
A 45-minute workshop on effective networking strategies followed by a one-hour practice session with professionals from Vanderbilt and the broader Nashville community.

Local Insider Tour & End of Program Celebration
Week of March 16–20, 2026. Location: TBD
A three-hour off-campus experience at a Nashville employer site, featuring a workplace tour, “lunch & learn” discussion with industry professionals, and a closing celebration of the cohort’s achievements.