If you’re asking whether; Is the MSU Global Tech experience worth it your time, energy, and money—let’s dig in! I’ll break it down step by step, so you can figure out if it’s the right bet for your college journey.
What Is the MSU Global Tech Experience (GTX)?
Program Overview
GTX is a for-credit, work-based online program offered by Michigan State University in partnership with Podium Education. It’s designed to give students real-world, on-the-job training without the hassle of applying for internships.
Collaboration with Podium Education
Podium powers the program, bringing in project-based collaborations, global peers, and digital credentials. It’s experiential learning at its core.
How GTX Works
LiveLab Sessions and Global Teamwork
Twice a week, you join LiveLab Zoom sessions, teaming up with students from MSU and more than 70 other universities—all around the globe—to tackle real company challenges.
SkillBuilders, Soft Skills & Portfolio Projects
You’ll work through video lessons (“SkillBuilders”), develop soft skills like emotional intelligence, and build portfolio-ready capstone projects—all culminating in real-world presentations.
Career Benefits
Real-World Projects & Company Partnerships
GTX connects you with projects created with real companies—think Airbnb, Spotify, Intel, Netflix, L’Oréal, and more.
Certifications and LinkedIn Badges
After completing the program, you’ll receive LinkedIn skill badges and company certifications—great for standing out to recruiters.
Networking and Career Access
Completion opens access to an exclusive career network, events, and tools like Global CareerBase and Untapped, which boost your professional connections.
Academic & Credit Value
Six Credits Toward Your MSU Degree
The program gives you six MSU credits (two courses), integrated into your degree plan with no prerequisites required.
Tuition and Program Fees
You’ll pay standard tuition for those credits plus a $1,800 program fee to Podium.
Financial Aid Possibilities
MSU students may be eligible for financial aid to cover these costs—helpful for easing the burden.
Tracks You Can Choose
- Ecommerce & Social Media: Learn Shopify and promote a store using tools like Google, Instagram, TikTok.
- Data Analytics: Work with Excel, Tableau to visualize and analyze global projects.
- Coding for Data: Dive into SQL and Python, manage big datasets, and join virtual workplace simulations.
- Career Rotation: Explore multiple fields via hands-on projects from brands like Intel and L’Oréal.
Pros of the GTX Program
- Hands-on experience without exhausting job applications
- Global peer collaboration boosts cultural and professional depth
- Portfolio-ready projects that actually showcase “you know your stuff”
- University credits + recognized badges = double value
- Strong support via live sessions, teaching teams, and chatbots
Cons to Consider
- Program costs $1,800 extra—some students call it steep or even “predatory.”
- You’ll still pay tuition on top of that fee—it’s not free
- Not a replacement for a full-time internship; lacks full immersion
- It may be more valuable to sophomores/juniors without much experience
Who Should Consider the GTX?
If you’re:
- Looking for real work experience without job-hunting headaches,
- Needing resume or portfolio material before an internship,
- Keen on a flexible, credit-bearing program that adds tangible skills,
then GTX might just be your match!
Perspectives from Students
On Reddit, GTX staff describe it as a “mini-internship” with live labs, global peers, and badges—no cover letters or interviews required. But some commenters flag the $1,800 fee as questionable, and suggest it’s most useful for early undergrads who lack experience.
Conclusion
So, is the MSU Global Tech Experience worth it? If you’re eager to gain real-world experience, build a powerful portfolio, and earn credit—all without the grind of internship hunting—GTX is a smart move. It’s like launching your career via a high-speed elevator rather than taking the stairs—costly, yes, but efficient and effective if you’re ready for the ride.
FAQs
- How much does GTX cost in total?
You pay regular tuition for six credits plus a $1,800 program fee. Financial aid may be available. - What companies contribute to campus projects?
Projects come from names like Airbnb, Netflix, Spotify, Intel, L’Oréal, and more. - Do I get academic credit?
Yes—you earn six MSU credits (two courses). No prerequisites required. - Is it just online?
Yep—fully online with weekly live Zooms and asynchronous modules. - Is it better than internship?
It’s not a replacement, but it gives similar benefits—portfolio work, global teamwork—without the application hassle. Perfect if you’re early in your journey.
