Backpack to Briefcase: Steps to a Successful Career

by Terry Arndt, Kirrin R. Coleman

Backpack to Briefcase is the essential guide to career success for the recent college graduate. This book will take you from your first day on the job to your annual performance review. It will help you master workplace etiquette and decipher yourpay stub. It provides tips on finding and working with a mentor as well as pointers on working with various personalities in the workplace. Your career is off to a great start with Backpack to Briefcase.This guide covers what to expect on the job—as well as how to deal with theunexpected. Topics to create and maintain a professional imageWorkplace and business function How to say what you mean, get what you want, and build positive relationshipsWorkplace the good, the bad, and the ugly What to do after you make a big mistakeFinding a mentorTips for getting recognized for your achievementsUnderstanding your benefits, your paycheck, and your rightsNetworking strategies and resourcesDeveloping a professional social media presenceBackpack to Briefcase answers all the questions you have and some you haven’t yet thought to ask. You’ll be the expert in your field soon; in the meantime, use Backpack to Briefcase to make the transition from college to the workplace smoothand successful.

Genres: Professional Development

120 pages, paperback

First published February 15, 2006

Reviews

[Connor Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best professional developmental books I have read. Talks about essential things to know once you start your first job. Very short and covers such topics as interpreting your paycheck, making sense of benefits, navigating company culture, and how to negotiate a raise. Big fan

[Shea Balden · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have been done in 10 pages or less

[Barry Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinarily comprehensive book on the challenges, opportunities and issues to be faced by the new graduate stepping into their first professional position after college. Virtually every component of starting a first job seems to be covered in this remarkable little book (144 pages). The book focuses on how to start a career well —from the first day on the job to the annual performance review. Topics include creating a professional image, communicating effectively and efficiently, workplace etiquette, mentoring, advancement, performance reviews, seeking promotions, working with various personalities, and much more. The book even includes need-to-know information regarding benefits, paycheck deductions and employee rights. Guidance is also offered for dealing with the unpredictable aspects of work life, such as awkward situations and layoffs.

I must say that, even though the focus of Backpack to Briefcase is the newly hired graduate, there is a wealth of information and insight in this small book that can benefit any employee at any time in their career.