About

Jumpstarting the Economy

In economically troubled times, it is no rare thing for uncertainty to pervade the minds of many people who are worried about the job market. Such is not the case for Wardie Parks, who will graduate from the Memphis Campus in 2010 with an associate degree in management. Wardie knows that for an economy to improve, businesses must thrive. Following his graduation, Wardie plans to save up enough money to start or take over a business and contribute to the economy.

“My purpose is to find a job and save up enough money to start a business.” For ambitious students like Wardie, now is an opportune time to start or take over a business, not only for personal career success, but also for the future well-being of the economy.

Wardie’s ambitions and professional business skills have made his dream a very real opportunity. Throughout his education at National College, he exhibited the networking skills needed to maintain a healthy business community. Wardie joined the Student Activities Council in order to help promote National and to network with local businesses. The council holds a Business Forum and invites business leaders from around the city to speak with the students about various business experiences. The council also holds a business mixer for both networking and educational purposes. In conjunction with Instructor Patrenna Hancock, the faculty advisor for the Student Activities Council, Wardie has been able to learn much about the world of business while also opening up the business field to other interested students. Not only is Wardie effectively promoting himself, but is also actively inviting others to join in their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Wardie discovered National College through an ad in the mail. When he saw what programs and classes were offered, he knew it was for him. “Something told me this was the school. I chose it.” Having previously studied for real estate, Wardie felt it was time to gain marketable skills through training at National College. His business and marketing courses were an eye-opening experience for him. Wardie is now confident enough in his abilities to enter the business world. “National College really prepared me for it. I believe that there is no other college that could have pushed me the way National College has.”