2.1.12 
SIFE Students Teach Career Skills to Polk Students With Challenges

By Southeastern University

Southeastern University's Students in Free Enterprise team has established a reputation of developing meaningful service projects as it seeks to improve the lives of people through business.

Team members continued that tradition with the Bridging the Gap event on Tuesday, January 31.

More than 50 students from the Polk County Transition program, which assists students between the ages of 18-22 with a range of intellectual disabilities, participated in the career skill-building event in Southeastern's Student Activities Center. SIFE students gave the Transition students advice in business communication, professional attire, resume building, and other skills.

"We want them to learn something new and improve in some way, even if it's something small," said Bethany Torres Rivera, the project leader.

The Polk County Transition system serves more than 200 students and includes individual programs located on the campuses of Southeastern, USF Polytechnic, Warner University, Ridge Career Center, and the Traviss Career Center. There are also programs located at high schools in the county.

This was the third consecutive year that SEU's SIFE program hosted an event for Transition students. In the past, the theme was broader and included topics such as personal hygiene. But the team decided to hone in on career skills for this year.

Southeastern students and staff went over basics with the Transition students, such as making sure they know to be on time for an interview and to keep a watch or cell phone nearby. They also practiced strong handshakes and making eye contact, as well as reviewing templates for professional resumes. The event closed with snacks and a group dancing time.

Bill Bierschenk, director of financial services at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, was in attendance to conduct mock interviews with the Transition students. He has participated in events with Transition students for about eight years and been at Southeastern's event each year.

"It's a great opportunity for students, and I've seen it grow and get more focused on skill development," he said.

In addition to Lakeland Regional, representatives from Lowe's and Sam's Club were also on hand to interview students.

Charlene Schultz, who oversees that Transition program on Southeastern's campus, said Southeastern's Christian community provides a nurturing environment beneficial to her students.

"Everyone on campus has been so good to our students," she said.

The Lakeland Ledger also covered the event. You can see their story here.