Professional Development
A 10-month hands-on Ascend Career Track available exclusively for students enrolled in the Ascend Certificate Program for 0-15 credits.
What Will Students Learn in this Track?
In this track, students start actively building skill and experience, developing a Biblical understanding of work and vocation. Students create a current snapshot of where they are in career clarity and identify their next step(s). At the end of the year, they detail what skills or experiences they added to their list and the success of their steps.
Written & Verbal Communication
Clear, concise, and effective communication is essential—especially in remote and hybrid environments.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
The ability to assess situations, think analytically, and offer creative, viable solutions is at the core of decision-making roles.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Skills like self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management are essential in leadership, teamwork, and client relations.
Adaptability & Resilience
With fast-changing industries, employees who can pivot quickly, handle uncertainty, and maintain productivity are highly sought after.
Leadership & Management
Even non-managers are expected to show leadership traits such as initiative, accountability, and strategic thinking.
Digital Literacy & Tech Agility
Comfort with evolving platforms and tools (e.g., AI tools, CRM software, data visualization tools).
Project Management
Ability to plan, execute, and deliver results on time and within budget.
Collaboration & Teamwork
The ability to work well in diverse, cross-functional teams and contribute to collective goals is essential in modern organizations.
Time Management & Prioritization
Being able to focus, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities is critical, especially in lean or fast-paced environments.
Data Literacy
Understanding how to interpret, question, and leverage data to drive decisions is becoming a core skill, even in non-technical roles.
Request More Information
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in your inbox and a phone call from a counselor within 24 hours.
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Meet Your Instructors
This track is taught by a collection of Unbound staff, speakers, and course instructors, including, but not limited to, those listed here.
JONATHAN BRUSH
JONATHAN is the President and CEO of Unbound, a homeschool graduate, and a homeschool dad of six. He worked for nine years as a Director of Admissions for a private, liberal arts college, and then spent over ten years working in non-traditional higher education.
Appearing on stages and podcasts, and leading events around the country, Jonathan teaches young adults and their parents how to ask the right questions, take action, and understand key truths that will enable them to live well. Jonathan’s energetic speaking and teaching style engages and inspires, while his honesty, practical advice, and relentless focus on hope encourages, equips, and enables audiences. Jonathan brings almost 25 years of experience working with young adults and families in a variety of settings from education to business and from church work to outdoor adventures.
VICTORIA SCHURTER
VICTORIA is the VP of Content & Development for Unbound. An Unbound graduate, Victoria has served in a variety of roles including student leadership, coaching, and in the Business and Leadership program. She is passionate about equipping young adults to recognize their potential, to know God, and make Him known in daily life.
When she’s not working on an Unbound project, you can find her scribbling on a novel, playing a favorite instrument, riding horses, watching a sunset, or dreaming up some new adventure that absolutely includes the Pacific coastline. One of the best parts of her world is walking alongside her fellow Unbound students as they make an eternal impact in their generation.
TRENT EMMACK
TRENT is an Admissions Counselor and Event Speaker for Unbound. He enrolled in Unbound in 2018 and is currently pursuing a Business Degree in Marketing Analytics. Trent served on the 2020 and 2021 Unbound National Student Cabinets, as well as the 2021 Community Development Committee.
In his free time Trent can usually be found lifting weights, watching football (Go Chiefs!), playing the latest RPG, or catching up on TV shows everyone else watched a decade ago. He’s down to do just about anything as long as it involves the right people, which usually means going on crazy adventures with fellow Unbound students and alumni. His love of anything pyrotechnic has also garnered quite the reputation…
OLIVIA JACKS
OLIVIA is an Operations Coordinator for Unbound. While pursuing her history degree, she found encouraging friendships and opportunities for growth within the Unbound student community. This discovery led to her serving in several leadership capacities, such as co-leading the Student Welcoming Squad, throughout her time as a student.
In addition to all things Unbound, Olivia loves reading books old and new, drinking tea, and spending time with family and friends in the mountains of Virginia.
DAVID RETHEMEYER
DAVID is the Marketing Manager for Unbound. He was a homeschool graduate by age 16, earned his BSBA through Unbound, and finished his MBA from Missouri S&T by age 21. Now, he gets to use his skills to tell as many people as possible about how great Unbound is, and why they should enroll.
Outside of working hours, you may find David gaming with friends, going for long runs, tinkering with his computer, smoking meat, or coming up with Words of Wisdom (ask an Unbound student to explain).
ELLIE SMITH
ELLIE serves as the VP of Sales and Operations at Unbound. She holds a degree in Communications from Thomas Edison State University. More importantly, during her time as a student, Ellie completed an intense, two-year internship in event planning, digital marketing, and B2C sales. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for her career, allowing her to transition into a role focused on connecting young adults with post-high school training that connects directly with the real world in ways that traditional higher education fails to do.
In both personal and professional pursuits, Ellie is driven by a commitment to building and improving systems that enable the pursuit of excellence in work, personal development, and relationships, striving for a lifestyle of continued learning.
Enroll in the
Professional Development Track
Click the button below to view our admissions team’s calendar and select a day and time to discuss enrollment options for your student.
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