With the “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” series over, let’s face it, we all know enough about vampires and postapocalyptic worlds and can focus on some career reading this summer.

Slip one of these books into your beach bag this long holiday weekend, and get inspired about your career or furthering your education.

These authors make it easy to soak up both the rays and important information about earning a first-time degree or advanced degree to move up the ladder professionally. Just imagine what were to happen if Katniss was to combine her Hunger Games experience with a college education – she would be even more unstoppable!

How to Get Any Job: Life Launch and Re-Launch for Everyone Under 30 (Or How to Avoid Living in Your Parents’ Basement) by Donald Asher (Ten Speed Press)

Asher, a career consultant who is author of several books, encourages people to think about their “top five issues in this world” as part of considering a career path and gives the low-down on education options, recognizing that career paths can change over time. Plus, there’s a special chapter on summer jobs.

Bossypants by Tina Fey (Reagan Arthur Books)

It’s your typical career book, but Fey’s hilarious memoir shows what it’s like to succeed in a male-dominated industry, working at SNL and having her own Emmy Award-winning show, “30 Rock,” and how she balances being a mom in show business. You get all that, and be prepared to hide under your oversized beach hat because you may be embarrassed at how much Fey’s essays are making you laugh.

The MBA Reality Check by Evan Forester & David Thomas (Prentice Hall Press)

If you’re considering earning your MBA, you probably need a summer vacation from all of that research. This book presents the MBA pursuit from the mindset of how you can be a compelling candidate to a college, written in a way where you feel like you’re chatting with a friend – albeit a very experienced, knowledgable friend who is an educational consultant. Forster’s insider’s look into getting into a business school is fueled with stories of applicants, making it an easy summer read.

Let us know if you’ve found other career- or education-related books or biographies that have inspired or informed you to take your next career step!

-Lori Johnston

Here’s the funny thing about the nursing profession: with three very different education paths to take, you’ll end up with the same job no matter which one you choose. Whether you earn a diploma in nursing, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), once you pass the National Certification Licensing Examination (NCLEX), you can become an RN. Are all nursing education paths equal?

“The BSN is better.”
The American Nurses Association, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching say no. In line with its latest nursing education study, the Carnegie Foundation recommends that the BSN become the entry-level qualification for nurses – no nursing diploma or ADN program options in sight. And, similar to teachers, RNs should be required to earn a master’s degree within 10 years of licensure.

With more than 60 percent of new nurses being educated at community colleges, pro-BSN professionals say this translates into the lion’s share of nurses being less qualified for advanced education opportunities. All of the advanced practice nursing specialties – clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners – require a master of science in nursing (MSN) for entry. And perhaps more to the point, without an MSN, a nurse cannot move into a faculty position – a key issue, given that nursing school applicants are being turned away because of the nursing faculty shortage, which in turn perpetuates the nursing shortage.

In addition, these nursing organizations cite research that shows that lower patient mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive care outcomes are linked to nurses trained at the BSN and MSN levels.

“The ADN is essential.”
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing take a decidedly different stance. In a recent policy brief, the AACC contends that both ADN and BSN programs teach students the competencies necessary to become an RN, as demonstrated by comparable pass rates on the NCLEX as well as hiring statistics. Plus, ADN programs educate the majority of RNs in rural settings, and they also provide the greatest number of minority RNs. Minorities in nursing are instrumental when it comes to understanding and addressing the care needs of our diverse population.

These nursing organizations also point out the lack of a valid correlation between nursing education level and patient outcomes. In other words, a bigger degree does not necessarily make a better nurse.

What’s a nurse to do?
Is advanced nursing education valuable for its own sake? Will you be a better nurse if you get a bachelor’s degree instead of an associate degree?

Obviously, there are no easy answers, but whichever nursing education program you’re leaning toward, there are a few key considerations to factor into your decision. Make sure the program is accredited, and that the NCLEX pass rate is high. If you choose an ADN program, look for a community college that has an articulation agreement with a four-year nursing school so that you can seamlessly transition into a BSN program if you choose. Look into RN-to-BSN programs… or bypass the BSN altogether by enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program. You might even be able to get tuition assistance if you continue your nursing education after you become an RN.

For now, you can still choose your own nursing education adventure – so choose wisely!

-Robyn Tellefsen

I’ve lived in New York City all my life, and the eight years I lived in Brooklyn were some of the best. There’s one thing I’ll never miss about Brooklyn, though, and if you’re a city dweller, you know exactly what I’m talking about – parking. I have, however, managed to parlay my less-than-fun parking experiences into a few words of wisdom about finding the right college. Join me for the ride, won’t you?

It might take a while.
If you live in the city, being on time for a doctor’s appointment, dinner reservations, or a playdate requires you to factor in extra time to find a parking spot. There are no parking lots, and friends blessed with driveways are few and far between. Fight the urge to drive back home, and resign yourself to the fact that you’ll have to take a few trips around the block before you get what you want.

In the same way, finding the right school doesn’t happen in an instant. You’ll definitely want to give yourself plenty of time to get there, and it may require a few trips around college campuses before you find what you’re looking for. You might not find what you want right away, but don’t give up and go home – there’s a good college spot out there waiting for you.

Looks can be deceiving.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about finding parking in the city, it’s that what looks too good to be true usually is. Chances are that the vacant spot I see up the block is not a legal parking spot, but a driveway, a hydrant, or – my favorite – an illegal spot because of alternate side of the street parking regulations. It’s also possible that a couple of cars did a lousy parking job and, consequently, the open spot is too small for me. Grrrr.

Sometimes, all you have to do is look at a college brochure and you’re ready to find your place there. The campus looks idyllic, the school offers the major you want, and the location is fab. It’s perfect from afar – but there’s a chance that what looks like a great school really isn’t for you. So before you park yourself there, take a tour to see the school up close and decide if it’s really a good fit.

You should never sell yourself short.
Since parking is a pain near your friend’s apartment, and you always seem to get to a spot five seconds too late, you decide to just bite the bullet and park five blocks away. It’s doubtful you’ll get anything better. But then, after walking all that way (in the freezing rain), you see a spot right in front of her apartment. Oh, the agony.

Your grades have never been the best, so it doesn’t seem likely that you’ll get into the college of your dreams. Applying feels like a waste of time and experience tells you it’s better not to get your hopes up. Getting in to a “reach school” is far from a sure thing, of course, but how will you know what you can achieve unless you try?

When you do find the right school, take some time to revel in the joy of a mission well-accomplished. When my husband and I found a legal parking spot right across the street from our dinner reservations in Manhattan on Valentine’s Day, we spent at least five minutes celebrating the victory – before we even got out of the car.

Rest assured that you will reach your college destination sooner or later. Until then, try to relax and enjoy the ride!

-Robyn Tellefsen

As Memorial Day approaches, we are so thankful for those of you who have served and are serving in the military, for the sacrifices that you make for our country. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice a college education.

It is possible to get a degree while serving in the military, particularly thanks to online learning. The Army is offering online courses, joining many institutions with online degrees that are attracting those in the military. GoArmyEd.com is the place to go to learn about distance learning and eArmyU online college classes.

More than half of military students are learning online, according to GetEducated.com, a consumer watchdog and advocacy group that rates, ranks, and verifies the cost, quality, and credibility of online schools.

Many schools, such as DeVry University and University of Phoenix, offer distance learning information specifically for those in the military.

Sgt. Teresa de la Cueva, a master’s degree student at University of Phoenix who has served in the Air Force for 17 years, says one of the reasons she returned to school was for her troops.

“As I progressed in my military career, I saw that I needed to further my education in order to improve my leadership skills and to become a mentor to younger troops,” she says. “Education helped me immensely in these regards.”

The American Council on Education serves as the link between the U.S. Department of Defense and higher education institutions to provide college credits for Armed Forces members.

As part of your research you may want to follow blogs by publications such as Military Times Edge, which reports on programs and career paths that people in the military may want to pursue. You can do a comparison to see how the GI Bill will benefit your online learning efforts, too.

Be proud of your service to the military and realize that this doesn’t mean your college hopes and dreams need to wait, either.

-Lori Johnston
Additional reporting by Delaney Young

Jumping back into school after you’ve been in the working world (or possibly the unemployment lines) can be a scary yet exciting prospect. So many questions: Can I handle it? How do I apply? What if I don’t remember how to be a student? Is online learning a good move for me?

Join  The CollegeBound Network’s #CollegeBound chat on Twitter and join the back to school conversation with other adults thinking of heading back to school and college-bound students of all ages, along with college admission reps, career experts, and current college students.

If there’s anything Twitter is good for, it’s to connect with others to Tweet out the stress, the questions, the concerns, and then get the answers you need from those in the know! Right?

So mark your calendars for The CollegeBound Network’s #CollegeBound chat, beginning Monday, May 24th at 4:00 p.m. EST. For a solid hour, you can hop onto Twitter, and use and follow the #CollegeBound hashtag.

Our first #CollegeBound chat topic is “Preparing for College,” which will give you a sneak peek at researching schools, figuring out what path to follow, and getting your all your initial questions answered. And we won’t leave you hanging; each week will feature a new #CollegeBound chat that features a different college topic… Follow @CollegeBoundNet and @CollegeSurfing, and tune in on Twitter each Monday at 4 p.m. EST.

If you’ve got a college topic that you’d like to learn more about, tweet us @CollegeBoundNet and let us know what’s on your mind. And to unofficially RSVP to #CollegeBound, put your Twitter handle in the Comments below. Here’s a customized TweetGrid for you to use to make it even more simple!

WIN! Send this Tweet prior to the event, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for one of two $50 Amazon gift certificates:

Thinking about going back to school or worried about getting into college? Join #CollegeBound chat on Mon., 5/24 at 4 p.m. EST http://bit.ly/bETW5R (pls. RT)

See you there!

Whether you have the “luck of the Irish” or not, it’s possible for you to make your own career luck by pursuing education in a field that excites you.

Yes, having a job these days if something to be proud of, with so many layoffs that have caused people to head back to school.

But if you dread going to work or are no longer getting the job fulfillment you desire, you can do something about it.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here are three steps to get out of a career rut and onto a new path. And maybe it will be profitable just like that mythical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

1. Research potential jobs and what degrees are needed.

If you’re bored in your current situation, look at what better paying and more fulfilling jobs may be on the horizon for you with the U.S. Department of Education’s list of the top 50 in-demand occupations. Topping the list: registered nurses.

Maybe a job that pops up on that list is something that’s always been in the back of your mind, like being a teacher or an electrician, and seeing those professions on the list could fuel your desire to go back to school and earn a degree in that field.

2. Find a program that fits your schedule.

Online programs are growing in number, and you’ll also find programs that offer only weeknight or weekend classes, allowing you to stay in your job while getting the education you need for your new career.

And even the length of the program is something to consider. Some career fields only require short-term study to break into them.

And some schools have created programs specifically for certain age groups, like women over 30, and single moms.

3. Look into financial aid sources.

The $787 billion economic stimulus bill passed last year includes $1.7 billion for adult employment services. The government offers an overview of things non-traditional students should consider about college and an overview of the financial aid options. If you’ve been laid off, you can continue to collect unemployment benefits if you’re pursuing college and vocation programs and receiving federal and state aid, USA Today says.

As you join the St. Patrick’s Day celebration today, remember to make your own career luck, too!

-Lori Johnston
Additional reporting by Delaney Young

Ask most adults who are thinking of going back to school what their biggest obstacle is, and chances are most of them will tell you it’s the cost. Understandably so — tuition is expensive! And, often,  students who are going back to school are doing so at their own expense, and with the hopes that a degree will lead to better income opportunities. In short, it’s an investment, and with investments come risk.

This notion was the inspiration behind CollegeSurfing.com’s new resource section that focuses on the costs of various degree programs. You can read specifically about tuition and fees by career field or academic discipline, from nursing degrees and culinary arts training to master’s degree programs.

If you’re thinking of investing in your education in 2010, be sure to take a peek at what it’ll cost you, and whether or not you can expect financial aid help.

Are there any degree programs not included that you’d like to know more about? Let us know, and we’ll get to work on it. Good luck!

What is your college search like? If you’re too busy or not interested in undertaking a meticulous process, or if you don’t think there are a ton of alternatives, you are not alone.

A new survey of students prepared by Public Agenda for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation found that college selection is taken much less seriously by those who end up dropping out. The study, “With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them,” found that turning into an unsuccessful student starts with being uninformed.

But you don’t have to face your college search like this. And finding the right school for you can be crucial in your quest to graduate.

Don’t start with where your friends are going or where your parents went to school, but instead think about your goals and what you want to do when you graduate from college.

You may not have a clue right now, but you can find out about the array of potential careers – including ones you may have never thought about – by looking at the profession overviews and job forecasts by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or at CollegeSurfing.com. That way when you are looking at potential schools, you will be able to see if they offer degrees in a career field of interest to you.

When I was looking at colleges, I knew I was interested in journalism, and when I looked at potential colleges all over the U.S., I discovered that the University of Georgia was home to the Peabody Awards that recognized the best in electronic media.

Also look at what past students have gotten out of attending a certain college and what school may fit your character traits. Maybe you want a school where there’s not as much pressure to party. Or you might need a school that has a good handle on how to deal with students’ learning disabilities. Those and other schools are among Newsweek’s take on 25 colleges.

Taking another look at how you are looking at colleges could mean finding out what’s the best fit for you – and determine whether you’ll stay the course and graduate.

-Lori Johnston

If you’re home caring for young children, chained to your office desk, or live in the boondocks far away from the nearest university, going back to school is probably the dustiest item on your massive to-do list. It’s been long buried by the piles of family obligations, 60-hour work weeks, and time and space limitations that manifest themselves. Let’s face it — life sometimes gets in the way of your educational goals. But achieving those goals can improve your quality of life and income potential. A vicious Catch 22…

Thanks to technology, though, you can be in two places at once. Really! The proof lies with the millions of online learning graduates out there who’ve attended classes between diaper changes or conference calls. Today’s students are quite lucky to have this quality learning platform that basically didn’t exist even 10 years ago. Yes, my friends, online learning has come a long way — better quality, way more acceptance in the workplace and in academia, and many more reputable colleges and universities offering a wide variety of programs than ever before. In fact, it’s estimated that two-thirds of higher education institutions offered distance education courses in 2006-2007, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Before you take the plunge into cyber learning…

>> Be sure you make time to research the programs you’re considering. Your first step should be to verify that the school of choice is accredited (you wouldn’t want to invest in a “fake” degree).

>> Think about your individual learning style, and whether or not it will be conducive to the way the program of study is designed. Remember, you’ll have to motivate yourself to log on and get your assignments done — there will be no micromanaging teacher over your shoulder. But really, when you think about it, adults are already used to this type of individual accountability since it’s not much different than how you’re expected to perform at work.

>> Consider the financial perks. There aren’t any commuting or child care costs to tack on since your home (or wherever you are) is your classroom. And in most cases, expensive textbooks aren’t needed since everything is usually done online via message boards, email, and even real-time class sessions. By the way — the vast majority of accredited online programs offer the same type of financial aid opportunities as traditional classroom programs do.

>> If you’re computer savvy enough to read this blog, you’re tech-ready for online learning. Advanced computing skills are not required. However, be prepared to brush up your writing and communication skills, as that will be the primary way for you to interact with your classmates and professors.

What do you think? If going back to school is something you’ve been wanted to move up on your to-do list, online learning is definitely worth some thought.

If you’ve taken online courses, we’d love to hear about your experiences — comment away! Or, if you have any specific questions, send them along, and I’ll address it in a follow-up post.

With today’s rough and tumble economy, choosing a school just got more complicated. It’s not just about course offerings, location, affordability, and reputation — you need to find out how they’ll help you after you graduate. In other words, imagine that part of that big fat tuition check is an investment into free career services later on, and use that as a factor in determining which school is right for you.

Check out what CareerJournal.com has to say about it:

Not-so-recent college graduates are demanding more career assistance from their former schools as they face tougher employment markets.

“This spring, I personally received more calls and emails from alums seeking job-hunting help than at any time in the past four years,” says Aspasia Apostolakis Miller, an official of the Northwestern Alumni Association.U.S. universities have begun to respond by creating job-search programs.

Nearly 20% now offer full-fledged efforts for alumni, up from just 5% five years ago, according to alumni-service specialists interviewed. And business schools in particular are stepping up aid for their graduates. Matthew Temple, Kellogg’s director of alumni career services, says he and fellow coaches handled 2,160 appointments with M.B.A. graduates during the eight months ended on April 30 — 45% more than the year-earlier period.

The good news is that schools are upping their efforts to help alumni. I know from personal experience, that my husband broke into the technology field thanks to a job placement program at the career school he attended. And my own alma mater has a career coaching program in which alumni make themselves available to mentor recent grads.

While finishing a program you’re just starting to research may seem like a lifetime away, you need to think ahead and ask questions like these:

• Does your school offer an on-site career center?
• Are resources like career aptitude tests available there?
• Are there resume/portfolio review services and/or mock interview sessions?
• Is there on-campus recruitment and interview opportunities?
• As an alumni, do I still have access to career services?

Essentially, going back to school is not just about learning a skill; it’s about leveraging a new network.