William Battle III ’25
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."
