Education in the 21st Century | The College Network

No money or time for education... no problem!

Hello everyone! My name is Matthew Pinkston and I am Program Advisor with The College Network. I am married and have two small children and love being a father and husband. My responsibility as a Program Advisor is to educate prospective students on options for furthering their education.

The College Network offers alternative educational options that are more flexible and cost effective than most online or community college options. The purpose of my blog is to make you all aware of the options that we as consumers have. Whether you are a nurse looking to get your RN or a busy Project Manager looking to get your certification, you have more options than you realize! Do you have student loans? Do you know the significance of accreditation? If you have a story related to education, or just want to know more about your options, feel free to add to my blog! I look forward to hearing from you!

Matthew

Set Your Goals High - Follow Your Dreams - The College Network

Saturday, March 24, 2012 by Matthew Pinkston

We, as people, underestimate what we are capable of. If you set your goals high and put your mind to it with unshakable determination, you can accomplish anything!

With affordable options like professional certificate training programs to bachelors and masters degrees, The College Network may be able to help you get one step closer to making your dream a reality.

Ask yourself, "Would I rather live a life of oh wells or what ifs?"

If education is or has been a goal for you, make the decision to follow those dreams!

Calling All Aspiring RN's - Nursing Shortage

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 by Matthew Pinkston

The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing), a major player in nursing education has shared statistics regarding the nursing shortage that is looming. Please take a moment to see what how your industry will be affected. (Click Here) This is good news for you as jobs will be ample!

If you think you cannot afford to go back to school, or have someone in your life who says it is to expensive, know this...On average RN's make $9 more per hour than LPN/LVNs.

Call me and begin your path toward RN today!

Matthew T. Pinkston

Program Advisor, The College Network

(800) 307-1006 x 2570

Roller Coaster

Thursday, December 8, 2011 by Matthew Pinkston

A wise man I once worked with told me a piece of advice I will never forget: "Never get to high with the highs, or low with the lows". Life can sometimes seem like a roller coaster... one minute all is going your way, and the next nothing seems to be going right. I think we all can relate to this in some way.

One thing that education can bring is security. A more stable path with opportunities for more earning power which in turn gives you more options to keep your ride through life not so up and down.

Remember education is something that once obtained can never be taken from you!

Give me a call today if you are tired of the roller coaster. With flexible payment assistance and a staff that cares about your success, The College Network may be able to get you on the right track! :)

Matthew Pinkston

The College Network - Education Inspired by Life

(800) 307-1006 x2570

mpinkston@collegenetwork.com

Sell Yourself!

Thursday, November 17, 2011 by Matthew Pinkston

We are all sales people, or we should be. And to be competitive in today's job market, you need three things: education, experience, and a good sales pitch! If you work in any process or project position, a Black Belt Certification or Project Management Professional Certification will give you the confidence you need to improve your pitch!

If you are not selling yourself or need a good sales pitch, The College Network can help!

The College Network - Strive For Excellence - Doing What is Best for our Customers

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 by Matthew Pinkston

The next time you speak with someone about continuing your education, have that advisor ask him or her self this question:

The College Network - Online Nursing - Convenient, Affordable, and an Investment!

Saturday, September 3, 2011 by Matthew Pinkston

It is back to school time and no better time than the present to get in to the swing of things with the rest of the world. September is back to school for all children, young adults and even the adult learners! Now with the online options in Nursing you have more flexibility which makes it easier to procrastinate getting started.

I have found over the years, the most successful of my customers find starting a program at a more natural time to start helps to get you motivated. Honestly getting started is the hardest part. Once you incorporate your studies into your life, it will only get easier. And with the support of The College Network, we are invested in your success!

RNs make $9 more per hour than LPNs, according to the average annual salaries for LPNs and RNs provided by the Bureau of Labor statistics, and an increase in your salary can make a sizeable impact over time!

There is an ever growing need for qualified nurses. Investing in yourself and your education will, in time, pay for itself and then some! And the sooner you get started, the sooner you start making that investment a more profitable one!

Call me today to discuss what it will take to get you started toward obtaining your degree and RN!

Matthew T. Pinkston

Program Advisor, The College Network

(800) 307-1006 x 2570

The Secret To Life and Happiness

Monday, August 8, 2011 by Matthew Pinkston

A wise man you all may know named Buddha once said, "The mind is everything. What you think you become."

This quote got me thinking about life and the situations we all face. There is not one of us out there who has not been through some tragedy or hard time. It is how we respond to that adversity that helps shape us into the people we are today. I came to this realization just recently and since I have made a conscious effort to not allow my circumstances to control me, I am a much happier, focused, goal oriented person.

It seems so simple and it is. The next time you face a stressful situation or any type of adversity or disappointment remember, you may not be able to control the things that happen to you, but you can control how you react.

If education is the next logical step for you to get where you want to go, give me a call and I would be more than happy to see if The College Network has a program that will work for you!

Stay positive in everything that you do! With focus and determination you can accomplish anything!

Changing Lives

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Matthew Pinkston

I just had to share...

I spoke with a customer of mine today... she recently completed the Boston University Paralegal program, and now is ready to enroll into the Boston University - CEC - Project Management Program. She told me today that the paralegal program gave her purpose and changed her life.

Changing the world one inspired, educated customer at a time!

Matthew Pinkston - Program Advisor
The College Network
Education Inspired By Life

Just Do It

Thursday, December 23, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

I am sure most of us are familiar with the slogan "Just Do It®" used by Nike®.  But what exactly do they mean? Of course Nike is closely related to the sporting world, however, I think their slogan and the message it portrays can be beneficial to everyone.

The first thing I think of when I hear "Just Do It®" is an athlete working hard; preparing to make him or herself better at their chosen sport.  Running that extra mile; shooting those extra foul shots; doing whatever it takes to get better; no excuses, "just do it®"!

How great could you be if you used this mentality in your life?

I speak to prospective students everyday and the two biggest obstacles keeping them from making the commitment and just doing it are:

              TIME and MONEY

Now both are legitimate excuses, but both are just that... excuses! Time and money for the most part will always be hard to come by unless you hit the lottery or get a big inheritance. All of us have busy lives, commitments, family, work, etc...   That is why The College Network and our partner universities' convenient online programs offer the best way for adults to go back to school. The formats for all of the programs are asynchronous, which means that you can log in and work on the courses when you want. You only have to have the motivation to JUST DO IT!

Now the money issues are a bit different. We do offer convenient payment schedules that will fit most budgets; however I, as well as anybody, know that times are tough and money is tight. It is that rock and hard place analogy, where you want and need that Project Management Certificate, or want to start a new career as a Paralegal, but you just don't have the funds. I also know that you can never get ahead by doing nothing.

So I ask anyone who is in this situation to take a look at your spending. Do go out to eat a lot? Starbucks? I bet we can all find some luxury in our life that we can live without.  Now this does not need to be a permanent change, but cut back on these luxuries long enough to get those extra funds you need! Get that Nursing Degree and RN license or that Lean Six Sigma Certification which will lead to a better paying job and more security in the workplace. Then you can eat out everyday and even buy your own Starbucks!

Get your better tomorrow started today and JUST DO IT!

Matthew Pinkston
The College Network
Education Inspired By Life!
Phone: 1-800-307-1006 x2570
mpinkston@collegenetwork.com

Jobs That Aren't Going Away

Thursday, November 4, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

Careers in community bedrocks like schools, hospitals, and law firms are here to stay

With online paralegal and nursing programs The College Network can assist you by adding to your current set of skills or showing you how to begin a new career that is and will continue to be in need!

http://education.yahoo.net/articles/jobs_that_arent_going_away.htm?wid=1

Call me today for a no obligation consultation!

Matthew Pinkston
Academic Advisor
The College Network

1-800-307-1006, ext. 2570

or email

mpinkston@collegenetwork.com

If you are unemployed, read this article!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

This article is a perfect example of why continuing education and adding to your skill set is so important especially if you are out of work!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101011/ap_on_bi_ge/us_tougher_jobs

Do not let today's fast past world pass you by! Call me today to see how you can stay on top of the latest trends in continuing education online and how to make yourself more marketable and valuable to potential employers!

Matthew Pinkston
1-800-307-1006, ext. 2570
The College Network
Education Inspired by Life!

Or feel free to email a request for information for any of our programs at:

mpinkston@collegenetwork.com

Visit our site for all of our program options:

www.collegenetwork.com

Jobs That Are Hiring Now: Paralegal

Monday, September 27, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

The legal industry is up 29% and is number one on this list from Yahoo. Take a look at the potential earnings!

http://education.yahoo.net/articles/jobs_that_are_hiring_now.htm?wid=1

Boston University's Online Paralegal Program can be completed in just 14 weeks and can teach you everything you need to know to begin working as a paralegal. With little or no experience and the confidence and desire to start a new career, you can get your new high paying career on track today!

Matthew Pinkston
The College Network
Education Inspired By Life
1-800-307-1006, ext 2570
mpinkston@collegenetwork.com

When to procrastinate...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

It sounds funny to even say, but can procrastination be a good thing? We are all guilty of it. I have a car at home right now that is about three months past due for a cleaning. My two kids with their sticky little hands, french fries in between the seats... if you have kids you know exactly what I am talking about.

Now putting off cleaning out my car will not make that much of a difference as long as I can see out of the windows and the car gets me where I need to go. But what if I put off changing my oil? Or getting my tires rotated? Putting those things off can have major consequences.

The moral of the story is to be selective about what you procrastinate.  If I do not change my oil regularly, my car could cease up, costing me a lot of time and money.

If I put off going back to school, I am taking away opportunities and earning potential!

Putting off watching your favorite TV program will not affect you like putting off earning a Paralegal Certificate to better yourself and start a new career. Or getting that Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Purdue University that will finally allow you advance your career. Whatever the case may be, I understand that going back to school is not as entertaining as watching your favorite program, but that is what a DVR is for. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to do those things that can change your life for the better, the more likely you may never get around to getting them done. Ask yourself, "Can I dedicate myself for just the next 10 weeks to change the rest of my life"?

Put down that remote, let the car stay dirty for one more week, and give me a call or send me an email for more information on continuing your education online!

Matthew Pinkston
The College Network
mpinkston@collegenetwork.com
Phone:  1-800-307-1006, ext. 2570

Access to the internet anywhere! And cheap!

Friday, September 3, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

Here is a link to an article you may be interested if you are thinking about completing an online program, and you need convenient access to the Internet anywhere. This offering through Virgin Mobile gives you unlimited access with no huge data charges!

"The service price for this no-commitment, unlimited, portable hot spot is — are you sitting down? — $40 a month."

Take a look...

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Your-Own-Hot-Spot-and-nytimes-362333608.html

Make sure you read some of my other posts about inexpensive laptops!

The College Network
Education Inspired By Life

Do you want to make $30 an hour?

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

Career: Registered nurse
Average hourly wage: $31.99
Registered nurses administer medications, monitor patients, assist doctors, provide medical care, and more. To prepare yourself for a career in nursing, you can complete an associate's degree in nursing, which will qualify to take a state licensing exam--a prerequisite to becoming a registered nurse. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of jobs for registered nurses is expected to grow by 22 percent. Many states are offering grant- and loan-repayment programs for nursing education, and hospitals are also offering signing bonuses to new nurses.

Call me at 1-800-395-3276 ext. 2570 today to see how The College Network can help you achieve your educational goals!

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-earn_30_or_more_an_hour_with_these_two_year_degrees-1410

Forbes.com The Best Back to School Lap Tops

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

Forbes has put out a review of laptops and net books for back to school. This is kind of a part two to one of my previous post, but take a look:

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/413/the-best-back-to-school-laptops/

Matthew Pinkston, Program Advisor
The College Network
Education Inspired by Life
mpinkston@collegenetwork.com
Phone: 1-800-307-1006, ext. 2570

The Most Valuable Degrees

Monday, August 2, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

Below is an article that discusses the most valuable degrees. Nursing has cracked the top five once again discussing the shortage that is looming. Specifically 265,000 nurses will be needed by 2025. The College Network has online degrees from leading universities that can assist you in obtaining many of the degrees listed in the article below.

http://education.yahoo.net/articles/most_valuable_degrees.htm?kid=16K8L

Do you want to know more about The College Network? Call me today and I would be happy to discuss with you how The College Network may be able to help you!

1-800-307-1006, ext. 2570

Getting a new computer for school is not as much as you think...

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

Take a look at this link. It shows several quality lap tops for under $500. Even some netbooks out there are suitable for online education and cost under $300!

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/406/best-laptops-under-500/

Whether it is a distance nursing program or paralegal training courses, The College Network can help you acheive your goals in education.

Education and Experience... you need both!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by Matthew Pinkston

In today's competitive world of finding quality employment, most people seem to have a ton of experience with little or no formal training. Several industries have, for a long time, not required any type of education. But today, education can really make the difference. Online education and professional certificate programs allow for quality affordable education.

Back before education was available online, you really only had a few options. If you wanted to continue your education past an associates or bachelor's degree, you had to get a master's degree. In 2010, there is training and education for just about any industry. And lets face it, some education and training is better than none. With that being said, make sure you are not inquiring into a program that is not quality. And what I mean by quality are these fake on-line programs, or "diploma mills" that for $695 give you doctorate diploma. These diploma's are not worth the paper they are written on!

The College Network offers solutions for just about everyone. Call me today for a no obligation consultation about how The College Network can help you!

1-800-307-1006, ext 2570

Matthew Pinkston
Program Advisor
The College Network