Recent comments

Why women earn less : by Valterra, Mikelann R.,

Publication: Franklin Lakes, NJ : Career Press, 2004 . 224 p. ; 21 cm. Date: 2004

“Why Women Earn Less,” by Mikelann Valterra, takes a poignant look at why women underearn compared to their male counterparts. The automatic notion is that the gender gap prevents women from gaining ground in terms of salary, or that the ever-present glass ceiling halts female progress in the corporate world. However, this book steps outside the realm of go-to assumptions, and lays the responsibility on women themselves—a strikingly modern perspective for a book originally written in the early 2000s (and, having written a research paper on the gender wage gap my sophomore year, one I completely agree with). The book itself serves as both an informative account of underearning that utilizes facts and personal stories, as well as an interactive guide to help the reader understand and overcome underearning in their own careers. For example, at the end of each section, journal questions are provided for the reader to reflect on their work experience. Questions such as, “Do I deprive myself of things I can really afford?” allow the reader to track their spending history. I would say that the Chapter entitled “How Much is Enough?,” where the author lays out a plan to track your finances, is a bit limiting and lacking in terms of actual long-term financial guidance. However, I would still highly recommend this book to female college students as they prepare to enter full-time positions and are exposed to salary negotiations.

How to be happy at work : by Hirsch, Arlene S.,

Publication: Indianapolis, IN : JIST Works, 2004 . x, 294 p. ; 23 cm. Date: 2004

What makes a person happy once they have gone through the stressful period of job hunting and have gained a job? What can an individual actually do to increase their happiness at work? Can a person even control that emotion? These questions are addressed within this book in a manner that is readable, interesting, and easy to understand. In discussing emotions, how to channel them, risk and its reward, and finding a motivation, Hirsch is successful at showing an individual the proper path to increasing satisfaction as well as happiness in any given job. But she does not end here. Instead, Hirsch continues on with chapters on what causes career “failures”, how to love a job you hate, and how to deal with being laid off or quitting. All these chapters walk through “rules” that if one lives by, is more likely to have a better time at work. Going further, Hirsch delves into ethics, discussing how ethics and satisfaction in a career are related, something that is oftentimes integral to happiness in a job. This book is a thorough examination of what it means to really be happy in a job, how to take control and start on the path to happiness, as well as how to react to negative situations in the workplace. Through easy to read text, metaphors, worksheets, and easy to understand “rules”, this book does lay out exactly what its title claims and as such, is a very good resource for those who are employed and wish to improve their outlook on a career.

301 smart answers to tough interview questions / by Oliver, Vicky.

Publication: Naperville, Ill. : Sourcebooks, 2005 . xii, 370 p. ; 21 cm. Date: 2005

This book is such a holy grail to preparing for behavior interviews, or interviews in general. Unlike most other books about interviewing out there, it offers a wide range of potential questions that may be asked by your employer, as well as a mock answer to help you understand how to tackle the questions. The questions that are in this book are very diversified; it goes from the easy, basic questions to situational questions to “the impossible questions” and questions that employers are not allowed to ask. This prepares the reader for a wide range of interviews, which makes me feel so much more comfortable walking into an interview since you never know what’s going to be asked. The book also explains scenarios that might occur during your interview, and how to gracefully handle the situation. Aside from that, it offers a ton of graphics and checklists and inspirational messages, which further explain the interview strategies and ways to better understand the employers.

Overall, I think this is book is extremely useful when preparing for interviews. Even if you believe you’re already good at interviewing, you’ll be surprised by the amount of new findings and learnings that you will gain from reading this book. The information offered here is priceless for college students especially. Although the book looks thick, it is a very easy and fast read. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to increase their interviewing skills.

The energy bus : by Gordon, Jon,

Publication: Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons, 2007 . xix, 172 p. ; 23 cm. Date: 2007

This book talks about the story of George, beginning with his terrible daily life. But one day, he meets a bus driver, which helps him get out of trouble situation in the energy bus. During the conversation with the bus driver, George obtains ten rules for the ride of life. Some I found out interesting and helpful are: you’re the driver of your bus; don’t waste your energy on those who don’t get on your bus; love your passengers; have fun and enjoy your ride. I found these rules helpful for people in all age and all period. Since the author explains these rules with vivid stories on George, I have a lot of fun with the story to understand the rules rather than just cliché principles. Thus, it is so easy to read that I finished it up in one night!

Your financial future :

Publication: Alexandria, Va. : Life After Graduation, LLC, 2005 . 173 p. ; 23 cm. Date: 2005

Your financial future was fairly easy to read. The book touches on concepts that are not only useful, but necessary to know for a young professional. The book can be drowned out in unclear financial jargon at times but the information is beneficial. Young professionals should know about retirement, insurance, 401K's, and IRA's before they enter the real world. The book is split up into different sections depending on the information it is sharing. For example, the chapters are about financial goals, budgeting, net worth, debt management, etc. Each chapter goes into more detail about the specific topic. This book should be borderline mandatory for all University of Illinois graduates. The information in this reading can help prepare graduates for life after undergrad and Illinois. Preparing early can lead to financial success in the future. The best values the book shares is to start early. You want to have goals, accounts, and retirement plans set up early in life so later you can reap the benefits. Although some chapters and subjects can be slow and/or dry(for example the taxes portion), overall it is very helpful to know and will benefit the reader tremendously going forwards. Read this book!

The intern files : by Fedorko, Jamie.

Publication: New York : Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2006 . xiii, 190 p. ; 19 cm. Date: 2006

Don’t let the cheesy name fool you. “The Intern Files” is a chronological guide to the one thing all college students want and need in this day and age—an internship. Many students want to know “where to start” when it comes to finding and winning an internship. This guide takes the worry out of this process, with well-to-do advice on anything from formatting your resume to how to dress professionally. The structure of the book works well with the content, starting with the basics (like how to find internship resources at your school) and then delving into the heart of internship professionalism. I thought the “First Day Checklist” was a particularly helpful tool that I wish I could have had before my first internship. This guide covers everything from how to properly address your boss to how to transform your internship into a full-time experience. Overall, the book takes a genuine approach to describing the downsides of an internship experience (long hours, low pay, etc.) but does a great job professing why the time and effort is worth it in the end. One issue I had with the book was the first-hand stories scattered throughout the sections. They focused on intern “horror stories” rather than what interns did right. For future readers, don’t let the stories scare you—follow the advice instead! Having had an internship, I can attest to the power of the author’s advice looking back.

10 things employers want you to learn in college : by Coplin, William D.

Publication: Berkeley, Calif. : Ten Speed Press, 2003 . xi, 259 p. ; 23 cm. Date: 2003

Attending college, we students often focus on th present. We tend to worry about our major, our classes, graduating on time, and even having a good time. But what we do not realize is that college is not only enabling us to understand who we are and what our goals are, it also is giving us opportunities to fully prepare ourselves for the career we will pursue after graduating. Within this book by Coplin, ten crucial, abstract skills necessary to succeed are introduced. By simply naming these, Coplin brings the concept of preparing now for our futures to light. With each chapter focusing on an abstract skill set, Coplin really focuses on specific skills within these abstract ideas that students can work on. And not only does Coplin list these skills, he even details a variety of opportunities in which these can be gained, within a course and outside of class. He even attempts to verbalize a minimum level of each skill that a student should possess by the time he or she leaves college! With an easy to read format, a few pictures, and a plethora of outside resources found within each chapter, this book really helps verbalize and compile the very abstract skills that many students wish to obtain. A quick read and something that all students should understand makes this book a valuable asset and resource for college students of any year.

Let your life speak : by Palmer, Parker J.

Publication: San Francisco : Jossey-Bass, 2000 . x, 117 p. ; 19 cm. Date: 2000

When I was reading this book, it always reminds me of moments to ask myself-is the life I am living the same as the life that wants to live in me? In this book, the author Palmer uses his own experiences about college, job and life inspiration to reflect his thinking process on this question, which includes listening to life, now I became myself and further steps. I found this book easy to read because this author do not directly push you to his point but instead he uses the plainest word to say his story to share with readers. Also, this book is helpful for all readers as everybody can see one step further clear about the life they want and the way to get there. After all, as Palmer said: vocation is not a goal to be achieved but a gift to be received.

Too young to retire : by Stone, Marika,

Publication: New York : Plume, 2004 . ix, 157 p. ; 21 cm. Date: 2004

This book is an off-the-road map to the rest of life. It is about discovery, surprise, and blazing your own trail. In the book, the author listed top ten ways to retire retirement, which the first one is “retire the world retirement”. And after each chapter, the author listed some tips to change your lifestyle after retirement to make your life more vivid. I found these tips are really helpful and easy to complete, which is good for retired people to go through the transition from work to retirement. I think this book could be useful to people who are going to retire or they have relatives going to retire recently. It is very helpful for them to adjust the attitude of retirement this big change in life.

Ace your case! :

Publication: Philadelphia, PA : WetFeet, 2011 . 65 p. : 23 cm. Date: 2011

As a business undergrad student, I have been interested in consulting as a career, but do not have specific knowledge regarding interviewing for consulting positions. This book was great, in my opinion, in explaining frameworks in a clear and concise manner. It also offers plenty of good examples to help guide the reader along. The book is a fast read, which get straight to the point. Reading this book is a great way to relax and prepare for interviews, especially if you don't have much time. After reading this book, I feel more comfortable and prepared to take on case interview. I would recommend anyone interested in the consulting industry or case interviews to read this book.

The start-up smarts : by Cohen, Barry H.,

Publication: Avon, Mass. : Adams Business, 2010 . xix, 250 p. ; 22 cm. Date: 2010

In Start-Up Smarts, authors Cohen and Rybarski have created an expert reference for anyone looking to create their own business or bring a unique product idea to fruition. The book is divided into 11 chapters, which are broken down into the steps one needs to take when starting their own business. For example, the book opens by discussing how to “bulletproof your business concept,” and then leads into how to find funding and build a company structure. Towards the closing of the book (which should be classified as more of a guide than anything), the authors discuss long-term strategy when it comes to succeeding in your industry. As for content, Start-Up Smarts is riddled with the type of “insider” information all entrepreneurs should follow. For example, Cohen discusses the difficulties of conducting market research through surveys, and the unexpected expenses of using survey companies. He includes first-hand experience of clever, cheap tactics he’s used in the past that garner potentially greater results than using third party companies. The use of anecdotal accounts in every chapter compliments the hard facts and information presented throughout the book.

This book would be extremely beneficial to anyone who has a product idea and is passionate enough to follow through with it. As stated in the novel, an entrepreneur should have experience in at least 2 positions in their intended field of entry before starting a business. This may deter college students, who generally have little experience, from reading the rest of the guide; however, most of the advice is highly applicable to fields other than entrepreneurship (such as marketing, finance, and corporate strategy), and thus I would still highly suggest it for that reason.

301 best questions to ask on your interview / by Kador, John.

Publication: New York : McGraw-Hill, 2010 . xx, 204 p. ; 23 cm. Date: 2010

With the title, one might believe that this book contains an incessant and infinite list of questions one might find useful in preparing for an interview. Instead, Kador has taken a seemingly unimportant part of an interview, the time allocated for the interviewee to ask the interviewer questions, and has delved deeply into the various aspects of this portion of the interview. Kador lays out the importance of asking questions, and how such questions are a vital aspect of an interview, one that should not be ignored. He covers topics from what sort of language and format makes up a good question, to what types of questions to avoid, all in the first chapter! The rest of the book is just as informative, with sections on how and what information to research on companies, what sort of note taking during the interview is appropriate, and even sections dedicated to specific positions that might be conducting the interview. Within these chapters, there are not only questions one could and should ask, but examples of questions and topics that should be avoided. In addition, there is also a section discussing actions to take after the interview, regardless of whether it went poorly or if an offer was extended, and the types of questions one can utilize to follow up. With such defined chapters, topics, and questions, this book is easy to read, informative, and eye opening, and an ultimate guide to those who struggle with asking questions during an interview.

The $100 startup : by Guillebeau, Chris.

Publication: New York : Crown Business, 2012 . xviii, 285 p. : 22 cm. Date: 2012

Chris Guillebeau does a fantastic job of giving the reader what they want. The $100 Startup gives and advice and tells stories of successful entrepreneurs. While creating a roadmap for success, Guillebeau talks of case studies, personal experiences, and others’ experiences to illustrate how to become successful. It was hard for me to put down this book. Every chapter is filled with meaningful tips that give you the confidence you need to take a leap with any big idea. Learn how to balance your interests and abilities to create a marketable, sustainable, and successful business. If you are looking to start your own business in the near future, check out The $100 Startup today! You will not be disappointed.

Art-work : by Bhandari, Heather Darcy.

Publication: New York : Free Press, 2009 . 291 p. : 22 cm. Date: 2009

Creating art is only one side of the coin for an artist. There is much that goes on between finishing a piece and hanging it in an art showing and the independent nature of the industry means that advice can be few and far in between. In Art/Work, Heather Darcy Bhandari (a gallery director) and Jonathan Melber (an arts lawyer) draw from their personal experiences and those of countless other arts professionals (curators and dealers to name a few) to help artists make it in the highly competitive art world. The book is a comprehensive guide that shows artists how to tackle the business and legal sides of the art industry, particularly dealing with art galleries. The depth of the content is impressive, with everything from sample legal forms to specific shipping instructions. The book is a great guide for anyone hoping to succeed as an artist.

The first 60 seconds : by Burns, Dan.

Publication: Naperville, Ill. : Sourcebooks, 2009 . xii, 275 p. : 23 cm. Date: 2009

The First 60 Seconds focuses on the importance first impressions make when interviewing for a job. In an increasingly competitive job market, it is more important than ever to stand out from other potential candidates. If you are looking for a systematic approach for identifying your skillsets, preparing for an interview, and understanding how to make your dreams a reality; this is the book for you! No one should ever go into an interview expecting to do well with just an impromptu method. Cultivating a positive impression take time, effort, and a lot of dedication. Dan Burns walks the reader through way to prepare yourself in the 60 days of job searching, during the first 60 seconds of an interview, for the 60 minutes of the interview, and then how to set the stage for the next 60 months of your career.

Culinary careers : by Smilow, Rick.

Publication: New York : Clarkson Potter, 2010 . vii, 360 p. ; 23 cm. Date: 2010

A career in the food industry does not always translate to a chef or a line cook. Instead of generalizing career paths in the industry, Culinary Careers does a great job of describing specific careers through the words of those who have already succeeded. In Culinary Careers, Institute of Culinary Education CEO Rick Smilow offers candid portraits of a multitude of culinary careers. The book opens with lists of culinary institutes and reasons for and against attending one of them. There is a brief entrepreneurial section for aspiring restaurateurs and bar owners. There is also an appendix with additional information like professional organizations and existing scholarships. At the core of the book, however, is the section entitled “Lessons from the Stratosphere.” In it, occupants of the stratosphere—restaurateurs, executive chefs, winemakers, food photographers, dietitians, what have you—pass on crumbs of wisdom. Veterans of the culinary industry share the ups and downs of their chosen career, describe a day at work, and note more tangible things like salaries and hours per week. Culinary Careers is a great read for anyone looking to figure out if a career in the culinary industry is right for them.

Becoming a master student / by Ellis, David B.

Publication: Boston : Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2013 . xiii, 402 p. : 28 cm. Date: 2013

Becoming A Masters Student is a comprehensive guide for those on the path to acquiring a Master’s Degree in any subject! It begins with the exploration of qualities of a Master’s student as well as how to find where you want to go in life and within graduate school. Throughout the book are pages that are for the reader to fill out and use to critically think about the graduate school. It is full of magazine style articles, truly engaging the reader, many of which are for the reader to fill out to assess themselves. There are lots of pictures and activities all very different from any other book. It even delves further than simply another book on the steps to take to be a Master’s student, including all other factors one must worry about while in graduate school such as money, test taking skills, communication with others, and even health! This book is an extremely engaging and active publication,surrounding the readier within it and quickly personalizing its message.

Washington Internships: How to Get Them and Use Them to Launch Your Public Policy Career. by Martinez, Deirdre.

Publication: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2009 29 Date: 2009

With around 20,000 interns every summer in the “internship capital” of the United States, Washington, D.C. graciously welcomes students to receive a firsthand analysis on the operations of the United States government. Despite the common belief that these interns all come from a same political science-based major, Washington interns come from all kind of majors such as English, communications, history, and other majors in which internship sponsors are recruiting strong writers, clear-thinkers, and self-starters. With a systematic step by step approach on granting pointers for your internship journey, Dr. Martinez’s book provides information on the range of agencies that are typically interned for, advice on how to find and land the right internship for you, advice on how to be a great intern, and advice on how to use to the internship as a spring board into your career. As always, the notion of networking is essential as you are actively engaging in your internship and after you have completed it, granting you additional contacts to be used to aid you along your career path with the United States’ domestic or foreign political system.

The nature of leadership : by White, B. Joseph.

Publication: New York : American Management Association, 2007 . viii, 200 p. : 23 cm. Date: 2007

The Nature of Leadership focuses on what it takes to be a great leader, and the attributes of such a person. In this book, the conditions for leadership are discussed, as well as the two types of leaders that White believes exist. In White’s theory, there are “Reptiles” and “Mammals”, each executing a type of leadership very different from the other. There are chapters dedicated to explaining each type of leadership in extreme detail, showing common attributes as well as strengths and weaknesses of each. Later in the book, examples of great leaders are given and the necessary attributes that are required of an individual to become a Great Leader such as “sparkle” factor and the push for innovation and creativity. Finally, the end of the book really takes steps to challenge the reader to push themselves to become better leaders. It lays out the lessons to be learned, as well as indicators if a job is conducive to developing leadership. These are only a few of the things the book promotes and examples it contains, and so, I would suggest this book to anyone looking to truly push themselves and become a better leader in every arena.

Going Global Country Career Guide -- Germany

Publication: . 1 online resource 24

Finding employment abroad can be just as difficult as adjusting to life in a different country. Going Global Country Career Guide to Germany is a comprehensive guide to working in Germany. The website details job search resources for jobs in the private sector, the government, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, the site offers a guide to industry trends and top companies and country specific tips and examples for resume and cover letter writing. The website also does a great job of reviewing the essentials to working and living in another country, covering working visas, cost of living, taxation policies, cultural advice, and more. The website is a great resource for students looking into working and living abroad.