You can edit CareerTrack.upc in Notepad and give your skipper as much renown as you wish. (Even with the game running at the game MENU as long as no saves are currently loaded!)
Just look for the PlayerCurrentRenown=##### entry and modify it to your hearts content.
Yes, I edit *MY* own game files to make the game behave how *I* wish to play after having experienced the game patched but unmodded.
