Southwest Florida College Tampa Hosts Business Week Speaker Series

Southwest Florida College Tampa Campus, Department of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement, is hosting Business Week on October 24 through 26, which will provide an opportunity for students to participate in workshops designed to prepare both students and graduates employment and success in the business field.

Three scheduled topics include:

Job Search Techniques by Michael J. Lashbrook, Monday, October 24th (6:30pm-7:45pm)
This workshop introduces students to the art of job searching, including how to develop parameters to streamline a search, determining job qualifications, and exploring company websites. Students are also exposed to current market trends, various job search strategies and resources, and how to complete applications.

Government Talk by Matthew Boggs, Tuesday, October 25th (6:30pm-7:45pm)
This workshop provides students with an understanding of government contracting and how it can stimulate revenue for small businesses. The students receive basic knowledge of the process of bidding, and how to compete and receive government contracts.

Personal Finance by Robert Jefferson, Wednesday, October 26th (6:30pm-7:45pm)
This workshop provides a information in personal finance, including how to assess needs, set goals, and create a financial plan for individuals and families. It also addresses how to budget, save, and invest funds to maximize long term-benefits.

Michael J. Lashbrook is a Florida native who earned his B.A. in History/American Studies and M.A. in U.S. History from USF. He has 12 years teaching experience at the collegiate level, with courses ranging from Florida History to Career Skills. Mr. Lashbrook also has 8 years of college administrative experience, serving as Program Director and Associate Dean, overseeing 70 instructors. Mr. Lashbrook joined SWFC as Student Service Coordinator in November 2010, assisting students in identifying and pursuing job opportunities.

Matthew Boggs is currently pursuing his A.S. in Management from SWFC. Mr. Boggs began his professional career with GSA Access Group Schedule Services, establishing government contracts and building relationships between GSA Schedule Holders and Prime Vendors. After one year with GSA, he was promoted to Account Executive, focusing on teaming and subcontracting. Mr. Boggs is now employed with Award Eagles LLC, a full-service government-consulting firm, assisting with registration, research, reporting, proposal preparation, and grant writing.

Robert Jefferson is a Michigan native who relocated to Florida in 2004, working as a District Manager for Global Communications Solutions. He transitioned into the banking industry in 2007 is currently a Personal Banker at Fifth Third Bank. Mr. Jefferson reinvests into the community by participating in activities with various organizations such as United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, and The Great American Teach-In, and conducting financial workshops for business and schools.

There is no cost to attend the seminar series. RSVP’s will be accepted on a space available basis with preference to students and graduates of Southwest Florida College. To register for Business Week, contact Jennifer Wallace, Coordinator, Industry Relations and Graduate Placement at jwallace@swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.