What do you think?
Rate this book
Career Rules: How to Choose Right and Get the Life You Want
Do you wince every time someone asks 'What do you plan to do once you graduate?’ Do you wish you could talk to the people who actually know what it's like to make a choice and make it work?
In Career Rules, Sonya Dutta Choudhury gives a flavourful peek into the daily grind of contemporary professions through conversations with some of their most noteworthy practitioners - Sanjeev Kapoor in food and hospitality; Naina Lal Kidwai in banking and finance; Quikr's Pranay Chulet in entrepreneurship; Zia Mody in law; Imtiaz Ali in film-making and a whole host of others - and also, importantly, to those working in junior and mid-level profiles. Insightful, full of mentorly advice and career 'hacks', this book is the kind of guided tour in the world of careers that every young graduate deserves. It is, in essence, a helpful nudge towards the life you want.
In Career Rules, Sonya Dutta Choudhury gives a flavourful peek into the daily grind of contemporary professions through conversations with some of their most noteworthy practitioners - Sanjeev Kapoor in food and hospitality; Naina Lal Kidwai in banking and finance; Quikr's Pranay Chulet in entrepreneurship; Zia Mody in law; Imtiaz Ali in film-making and a whole host of others - and also, importantly, to those working in junior and mid-level profiles. Insightful, full of mentorly advice and career 'hacks', this book is the kind of guided tour in the world of careers that every young graduate deserves. It is, in essence, a helpful nudge towards the life you want.
312 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2017
9 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 4, 2023
This is the book I wish someone had given me when I was swotting for some exam somewhere in my misguided youth.
Born out of 7 years of the author's journalistic career, of interviewing people from CEOs in their twenties to bureaucrats in their sixties – comes a guide to getting a career and making it work. From computers to teaching, law to healthcare, entrepreneurship to entertainment, and others on the side of the fence where starry-eyed students believe the grass is greener. She buoys up her information with the kind of homework you’d need to do yourself, if only you could have a tete-a-tete with Amitabh Kant or Sanjeev Kapoor.
Every career choice comes with fitting accessories: Examples of those who’ve cracked that particular stream and made it to a fairly high rung on the ladder, their education and their learnings (yes, these are different). The essential skills to make it in that field (In Digital Marketing, you’d need a willingness to learn and humility (intriguing) because things change every day). What they don’t tell you about a career (How, in Counselling, people burn out early – possibly because of the amount of negativity they deal with constantly. So do management consultants, for the very reason that makes this field shimmer – the jet-setting lifestyle and living out of a suitcase). Online resources – websites and twitter handles are attached. The bit which makes this book stand out from others in the field is a recommendation of movies and books you should see if you’re serious about the subject. Sonya’s choice here is interesting. A computer professional should, besides the genre bibles like Big Data, delve into Steig Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Career Rules ends with Career Hacks, street-smart tips on interviews and tests. And mentors – which, in a way, this heavy-weight little book really is.
.
Born out of 7 years of the author's journalistic career, of interviewing people from CEOs in their twenties to bureaucrats in their sixties – comes a guide to getting a career and making it work. From computers to teaching, law to healthcare, entrepreneurship to entertainment, and others on the side of the fence where starry-eyed students believe the grass is greener. She buoys up her information with the kind of homework you’d need to do yourself, if only you could have a tete-a-tete with Amitabh Kant or Sanjeev Kapoor.
Every career choice comes with fitting accessories: Examples of those who’ve cracked that particular stream and made it to a fairly high rung on the ladder, their education and their learnings (yes, these are different). The essential skills to make it in that field (In Digital Marketing, you’d need a willingness to learn and humility (intriguing) because things change every day). What they don’t tell you about a career (How, in Counselling, people burn out early – possibly because of the amount of negativity they deal with constantly. So do management consultants, for the very reason that makes this field shimmer – the jet-setting lifestyle and living out of a suitcase). Online resources – websites and twitter handles are attached. The bit which makes this book stand out from others in the field is a recommendation of movies and books you should see if you’re serious about the subject. Sonya’s choice here is interesting. A computer professional should, besides the genre bibles like Big Data, delve into Steig Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Career Rules ends with Career Hacks, street-smart tips on interviews and tests. And mentors – which, in a way, this heavy-weight little book really is.
.
June 13, 2017
Career rules can easily be termed as 'The Alchemist' in the field of professional information. This book is a breeze to read and gets you excited to start your own career. Not only does it give a glimpse in the flashy life of pioneers of different fields it also humanises them by beautifully documenting the struggles and day to day bottlenecks faced by Demi-gods of a particular career. It also takes the reader on a path detailing the journey of the leaders in the associated field.
It provides the reader with a wholesome access to information that is vital to start and flourish in their desired career. The reader has a enriching experience and this book acts like an encyclopaedia for someone who is looking to grab a foothold in their dream profession.
The USP of the book clearly has to be the diversity and variety the author brings to the table. The range of professions mentioned is vast which makes it readable for people from all walks of life. From Law, Banking, Teaching, Entertainment to Counselling, Healthcare, Marketing, the book has a detailed description on all the mentioned areas.
The hard work and passion of the author is clearly visible as the book is well researched and presented in a suitable and effective manner which acts like a guide to the reader.
Another distinctive feature of the book is that provides the reader with a direction on the different books, movies and social media handles that should be used in order to have a better understanding of life in a particular profession.
A very enjoyable and motivational book which should be a part of every voracious readers library for the simple fact that it is very informative and relatable and will help any professional or a budding professional in the different stages of their careers.
Being a student if you ask me if I would spend my pocket money to buy this book? The answer would definitely be an affirmative.
It provides the reader with a wholesome access to information that is vital to start and flourish in their desired career. The reader has a enriching experience and this book acts like an encyclopaedia for someone who is looking to grab a foothold in their dream profession.
The USP of the book clearly has to be the diversity and variety the author brings to the table. The range of professions mentioned is vast which makes it readable for people from all walks of life. From Law, Banking, Teaching, Entertainment to Counselling, Healthcare, Marketing, the book has a detailed description on all the mentioned areas.
The hard work and passion of the author is clearly visible as the book is well researched and presented in a suitable and effective manner which acts like a guide to the reader.
Another distinctive feature of the book is that provides the reader with a direction on the different books, movies and social media handles that should be used in order to have a better understanding of life in a particular profession.
A very enjoyable and motivational book which should be a part of every voracious readers library for the simple fact that it is very informative and relatable and will help any professional or a budding professional in the different stages of their careers.
Being a student if you ask me if I would spend my pocket money to buy this book? The answer would definitely be an affirmative.
April 21, 2018
Frankly, I'd say, I wasn't fully satisfied with the book. I expected it to have the various jobs under a particular stream, but unfortunately, it didn't. It covers only a few jobs i.e. 14 jobs to be precise. And the haze hasn't cleared off my mind as to what career I should go for.
Nonetheless, it did prove to be helpful providing advice in the matters of changing careers and cracking challenges of being a woman at the work place. Besides these, the author also mentions career hacks that are beneficial; be it your resume, trying internships, finding mentors, building supplementary skills or studying liberal arts.
The aspects I love of the book are the meaningful quotes at the beginning of every chapter, the perky illustrations, and the real-life stories of people of different careers. (interviews incl. education & work experience) Their true-life tales really inspired me a lot, including the author's tale as well.
The additional plus points that impressed me were the recommendations of various movies to watch and the books to read that are related to the career of your choice. Apart from these, the author also suggests different online resources like apps, websites, blogs, Twitter and Instagram accounts for the aspiring student.
In a nutshell, I'd strongly recommend this book for those students who sort of have a clear picture of their career choice and want to know more about it- the skills required, the salary received, the pros and cons, the interview questions to be prepared for and the secret to getting there. Overall, it's an amazing read. Go for it! You won't be totally disappointed.(at least!!)
Nonetheless, it did prove to be helpful providing advice in the matters of changing careers and cracking challenges of being a woman at the work place. Besides these, the author also mentions career hacks that are beneficial; be it your resume, trying internships, finding mentors, building supplementary skills or studying liberal arts.
The aspects I love of the book are the meaningful quotes at the beginning of every chapter, the perky illustrations, and the real-life stories of people of different careers. (interviews incl. education & work experience) Their true-life tales really inspired me a lot, including the author's tale as well.
The additional plus points that impressed me were the recommendations of various movies to watch and the books to read that are related to the career of your choice. Apart from these, the author also suggests different online resources like apps, websites, blogs, Twitter and Instagram accounts for the aspiring student.
In a nutshell, I'd strongly recommend this book for those students who sort of have a clear picture of their career choice and want to know more about it- the skills required, the salary received, the pros and cons, the interview questions to be prepared for and the secret to getting there. Overall, it's an amazing read. Go for it! You won't be totally disappointed.(at least!!)
June 29, 2017
As a Law Student, I find the advice in this book very interesting especially the ones relating to law. It covers the essential skills to be an aspiring lawyer and the secret of getting there which helped me knowing more about the career I am pursuing.
One interview which intrigued me was of Anna Chandy, who has been a counsellor to Deepika Padukone. I always had a keen interest in psychology and her interview made me realise how mental health is a subject which needs to be looked upon by every person.
It also covers the story of Imtiaz Ali. Personally, I feel there could have been more detailing to his success story so that I could know more about the famous film director and his journey.
The words of Yaquta Mandviwala, Management Consultant "If there is more of work, there is less of life and vice versa. Work is there to enrich life" specially inspired me to learn how work is something to be enjoyed.
As there are numerous options in today’s world, the book is a mix of the necessary overview of all the fields available while deciding about the future.
The purpose of this book, according to me is, not to provide shortcuts to success, but to pave a way for success.
It a smart, concise guide designed to help people know about the diversity of options available while looking out for the career which suits them the best. I feel that the author will succeed in penetrating the reader’s attention because the subject of ‘Career’ is one of immense importance in the 21st century.
One interview which intrigued me was of Anna Chandy, who has been a counsellor to Deepika Padukone. I always had a keen interest in psychology and her interview made me realise how mental health is a subject which needs to be looked upon by every person.
It also covers the story of Imtiaz Ali. Personally, I feel there could have been more detailing to his success story so that I could know more about the famous film director and his journey.
The words of Yaquta Mandviwala, Management Consultant "If there is more of work, there is less of life and vice versa. Work is there to enrich life" specially inspired me to learn how work is something to be enjoyed.
As there are numerous options in today’s world, the book is a mix of the necessary overview of all the fields available while deciding about the future.
The purpose of this book, according to me is, not to provide shortcuts to success, but to pave a way for success.
It a smart, concise guide designed to help people know about the diversity of options available while looking out for the career which suits them the best. I feel that the author will succeed in penetrating the reader’s attention because the subject of ‘Career’ is one of immense importance in the 21st century.
December 19, 2017
It's the perfect career guide which will make you decide what you should do in your life. I would personally recommend this book to all the students and all those who are searching for better career options, read it once before making a decision for your career.
It is easy-to-read, written in a very simple language which has helped me in understanding things clearly. It has a huge collection of inspiring real-life career stories through which you will get to learn about each career. It will make you think about your career choice with more knowledge about it.
If you're doing something which you don't want to, basically if you've realized what job you're doing is not suitable for your comfort and you want to change your career but scared to lose your job, this book will tell you the best way of coming out of this dilemma, it has a separate section on how to change careers which has some motivational real-life examples and some sure-fire ways to successfully switch careers.
It also has a separate section on career hacks that never fails, it may help you crack the interview for your dream job!
It is easy-to-read, written in a very simple language which has helped me in understanding things clearly. It has a huge collection of inspiring real-life career stories through which you will get to learn about each career. It will make you think about your career choice with more knowledge about it.
If you're doing something which you don't want to, basically if you've realized what job you're doing is not suitable for your comfort and you want to change your career but scared to lose your job, this book will tell you the best way of coming out of this dilemma, it has a separate section on how to change careers which has some motivational real-life examples and some sure-fire ways to successfully switch careers.
It also has a separate section on career hacks that never fails, it may help you crack the interview for your dream job!
December 18, 2017
This book focuses on one problem i.e the choices we make in our career life. I have seen many students including me who find it really hard to make decisions to choose the career which is fit for them and then excel in it. And, this book provides the solution. Once I finished reading it I actually thought that if someone had given this book while I was joining college my life would have been easier. What I liked about the book is that it gives you a deep dive on various industries and moreover provides quality resources for ex: blogs, books, movies and twitter handles to get to know more about that specific industry.
One of my favorite sections was where the author suggests students to focus on liberal arts. And how it can have an impact in our careers.
A perfect book to gift students.
One of my favorite sections was where the author suggests students to focus on liberal arts. And how it can have an impact in our careers.
A perfect book to gift students.
August 16, 2017
Finally got the chance to finish this insanely handy book - Sonya's Career Rules
Are you budding entrepreneur looking for a bird’s eye view on different professions that could add value to your business?
Are you a student lost about which career trajectory you should pursue?
Are you someone unhappy with your current profession and looking to change geres?
Do you just want quick bullet point access to filtered resources that motivate you to be your work life best?
Or do you just want a glimpse into the life of people whose work you admire?
PICK THIS BOOK UP!
A REALLY helpful compilation !!Sonya Dutta Choudhury
Are you budding entrepreneur looking for a bird’s eye view on different professions that could add value to your business?
Are you a student lost about which career trajectory you should pursue?
Are you someone unhappy with your current profession and looking to change geres?
Do you just want quick bullet point access to filtered resources that motivate you to be your work life best?
Or do you just want a glimpse into the life of people whose work you admire?
PICK THIS BOOK UP!
A REALLY helpful compilation !!Sonya Dutta Choudhury
December 21, 2017
This books takes you through a huge variety of career options, with success stories and details like skills required and average pay for specific careers. This book is perfect to get the initial start towards what excites you the most so that you can do further research and planning. Seeing the suggested readings and other resources, it is clear that the book is intended as the critical first step to what should a be well thought out plan.
School and Undergrad students should definitely give it a read!
School and Undergrad students should definitely give it a read!
March 11, 2022
Thank you author - Sonya Dutta Choudhury for writing this career-opening book. What I have learnt is that I can write down the life-lessons of my life - how I deal with and move on. Besides, what are the various skills and attitude that I need to learn to embargo any career. Moreover, what I could learn in that field. The most excited part to me is the ability to solve the problem. I firmly believe the most nasty part of life is DOING NOTHING. The life hacks section is knowledgeable and very helpful. We are alive to work and not for a particular tag such as engineer, doctor, lawyer etc. Overall, This is my right choice to read this book at this moment.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews