Polk County’s institutions of higher education contribute to business services here, training the next generation of workers and preparing them to be successful in their careers.

Webber is excited to provide graduates who are well-prepared to contribute to this growing economy.

Ryan Reis, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Affairs
Although the university offers many degrees for targeted industries, “business degrees are essential to economic growth,” Reis said. “Graduating with a business degree will provide students opportunities to enter varying industries from manufacturing to health care to financial institutions. Even greater business degrees provide students with the knowledge and know-how to become entrepreneurs. Thriving economic development is a balance of corporate and entrepreneurship.”

The Business Program is the most popular, Reis said, but there has been an increase in the Sport Business Management program. That could be tied to Visit Central Florida’s growing Tourism & Sports Marketing segment.

Webber has business partners that it deems “as key to both the success of our students and the county’s economic development,” Reis said. “We look to support development through our relationships with organizations such as the Central Florida Development Council, (CFDC) Lake Wales Chamber & Economic Development Council, Winter Haven Chamber, Lake Wales Charter Schools and Vanguard School, just to name a few. Career Services works with local businesses to cultivate a talent pipeline to ensure our graduates meet the needs of the business community.”

Some of its students remain in Polk County after graduation, Reis said. “Webber alumni are employed across the county with local municipalities and chambers of commerce, even at the CFDC.”

To read the full article from the Central Florida Development Council, follow this link.