William Battle III ’25 Credits Florida Southern with Preparing Him for Professional Success
Jul 6, 2026
When William Battle III graduated from Florida Southern College in 2025 with a double major in Multimedia Journalism and Sports Communication Marketing, he left campus with more than a degree. He carried with him the skills, confidence, and professional experience needed to launch his career straight out of college.
Today, Battle is working full time in Lakeland as a Podcast and Social Media Coordinator for CPS Investment Advisors, a position he says was made possible through the opportunities and support he found at Florida Southern.
Battle's journey into the professional world began before graduation. Through Florida Southern, he connected with an opportunity at the CPS Investment Advisors firm, where he now continues to apply skills he first developed in the classroom.
"I think something that really helped me at Florida Southern was my video editing classes,” Battle said. “I took a video production class sophomore and junior year of college, and there are techniques that I learned in that class that I'm still applying today."
For Battle, the hands-on learning experience provided practical knowledge that translated directly into his professional role. Beyond academics, Battle also points to Florida Southern's Office of Career Services as a key contributor to his success after graduation.
"Another thing that makes Florida Southern College an amazing experience is our Career Services department," Battle said. "From just looking at your resume to the mock interviews that they have available to us to get comfortable, they give you the confidence to be the best version of yourself professionally. They speak life into you to get going and to have confidence in yourself, even when you don't."
Through resume reviews, interview preparation, and personalized guidance, Battle found the support he needed to enter the workforce with confidence.
Looking back, Battle says his time at Florida Southern shaped him both personally and professionally. Relationships with professors and fellow students played an important role in helping him grow and discover new opportunities.
"From a personal standpoint, I've grown so much through my professors and from the friendships and connections I was able to make here," Battle said. "From a professional standpoint, that's how I have the opportunity that I have now. That's how I'm working full-time in the beautiful city of Lakeland."
As he reflects on his college experience, Battle says the support he received at Florida Southern will continue to influence his life long after graduation.
"The way that the school gave me the support to figure out how to overcome those challenges while supporting me through the process and having my back after graduating has really changed my life. It’s put me in a good position to start life," Battle said. "So, I'm forever grateful to Florida Southern College."
Today, Battle is working full time in Lakeland as a Podcast and Social Media Coordinator for CPS Investment Advisors, a position he says was made possible through the opportunities and support he found at Florida Southern.
Battle's journey into the professional world began before graduation. Through Florida Southern, he connected with an opportunity at the CPS Investment Advisors firm, where he now continues to apply skills he first developed in the classroom.
"I think something that really helped me at Florida Southern was my video editing classes,” Battle said. “I took a video production class sophomore and junior year of college, and there are techniques that I learned in that class that I'm still applying today."
For Battle, the hands-on learning experience provided practical knowledge that translated directly into his professional role. Beyond academics, Battle also points to Florida Southern's Office of Career Services as a key contributor to his success after graduation.
"Another thing that makes Florida Southern College an amazing experience is our Career Services department," Battle said. "From just looking at your resume to the mock interviews that they have available to us to get comfortable, they give you the confidence to be the best version of yourself professionally. They speak life into you to get going and to have confidence in yourself, even when you don't."
Through resume reviews, interview preparation, and personalized guidance, Battle found the support he needed to enter the workforce with confidence.
Looking back, Battle says his time at Florida Southern shaped him both personally and professionally. Relationships with professors and fellow students played an important role in helping him grow and discover new opportunities.
"From a personal standpoint, I've grown so much through my professors and from the friendships and connections I was able to make here," Battle said. "From a professional standpoint, that's how I have the opportunity that I have now. That's how I'm working full-time in the beautiful city of Lakeland."
As he reflects on his college experience, Battle says the support he received at Florida Southern will continue to influence his life long after graduation.
"The way that the school gave me the support to figure out how to overcome those challenges while supporting me through the process and having my back after graduating has really changed my life. It’s put me in a good position to start life," Battle said. "So, I'm forever grateful to Florida Southern College."