Our Story

Founded in 2019, Podium Education set out with a clear mission: to equip college students with the in-demand skills needed for today’s workforce while earning college credit. As the program evolved, we realized that technical skills alone weren’t enough—students also needed real-world experience to apply those skills and develop key abilities like intercultural communication and collaboration in distributed teams.

So we expanded further. In 2023, we acquired Untapped, transforming our platform into a comprehensive career network. Now, students not only explore career paths but also connect directly with recruiters and employers, gaining the insights and opportunities necessary to land their first job.

In Spring 2026, we launched the Career Discovery Experience, revolutionizing experiential learning early in students’ college journey. Through this program, students are empowered to discover their passions, develop a sense of belonging and purpose on campus, and chart a path for the major and experiences they will engage with on their way to graduation.

And we’re just getting started. We’re proud to have partnered with over 100 colleges and universities and 70 industry-leading brands, bringing students real-world experiences that jumpstart their careers.

Introducing Our Leaders.

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We may be small, but we're mighty.

Brand Partners

Successful Campaigns

International Awards

1M+

Happy Customers

Our Leadership

Orly Bartour

VP, Learning Experience

Dan Blue

Chief Product Officer

David Ekedahl

VP, Student Experience Operations

John Fillmore

Chief Executive Officer

Isaac Gomez

Chief Technology Officer

Caroline Ickes

VP, Partner Experience

Chris Laidley

Chief Financial Officer

Eric Mackintosh Ph.D.

VP, Operations

Tariq Meyers

Chief Careers Officer

Aled Owens

VP, University Partnerships

Christopher Parrish

Co-Founder & President

Alex Ricken

Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer

Jocelyn Rojeck

Chief Operating Officer

Our Advisory Board

The Podium Education Advisory Board is a dynamic group of leaders from higher education and industry who help shape the future of our student programs. Together, they bring a range of expertise and perspectives to close the gap between traditional academics and the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Through collaboration and insight, the board challenges us to innovate, scale high-impact experiences, and ensure students graduate with the career skills, real-world experience, and industry connections they need to succeed in a competitive job market.