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Profreshional: A Guide to Surviving the Freshman Year of Your Professional Life
Profreshional: A Guide to Surviving the Freshman Year of Your Professional Life is an anecdotal self-help book written for individuals who are about to (or have recently) joined the workforce. It covers a little bit of everything – from tactical tips on topics like meeting facilitation and how to structure your email inbox, to listing out to-do's and to-don'ts while drinking at corporate functions, to candid conversations about mental health and how it may manifest at work. Each topic discussed is done so with one major goal in mind: help young professionals prepare (and therefore, protect) themselves as they embark on their journey through the new-hire learning curve.
242 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 16, 2021
This review is going to be biased because I’ve been friends with the author since first grade - but Brooke would kill me if the following words were anything but authentic, so know that every star in this five star review is genuine.
Tl:dr - Profreshional fills a much needed gap in self-help. It’s a breath of fresh air in the world of work advice and offers a refreshing take on navigating life early in your career. Every college graduate entering the corporate world should read this book.
Over the past several years, I’ve read a number of self help books. I love them and hate to love them at the same time. I think it takes a fragile balance of lived experience, research, and outside perspective to deliver something that is informative without being condescending, unique without being tacky, and actionable without being impossible. Brooke Carter’s Profreshional is this perfect blend.
Her premise is simple. No one tells you how difficult and strange it is to navigate the first few years of your professional life (the profreshional years), but you can get through it and you are not alone. She tackles this subject in three sections: The First 90 Days, Everything Else, and From the Masses.
“The First 90 Days” is the dummy’s guide to corporate life you didn’t know you needed. I’m 2 years into my corporate job and can tell you that the struggle is real with regards to work jargon, email/instant message etiquette, understanding PTO, and everything else Carter discusses. This section is filled with semi-anecdotal, digestible tips that can be applied far beyond your first few years in the workforce.
“Everything Else” offers insight into the real, unspoken about, and sometimes ugly sides of finding a healthy work/life balance. Carter really does cover “everything”: drinking at work functions, prioritizing mental health, finding hobbies, providing niche value in your company, fostering mentor relationships, and so much more. Carter uses her own experiences of mistakes, hardships, and triumphs to ensure you that you are not alone. Her words are relatable, her advice is sound, and, more than anything, her message is validating towards all things we might face during this era of life.
“From the masses” is exactly what every book in this genre needs: different perspective. While Carter’s personal writings in the first two sections are very applicable to most new professionals, she recognizes that her identity and experience doesn’t cover everything. Here you’ll find 12 very different pieces of advice from a diverse set of young professionals, yours truly being one of them ;)
Profreshional is as much of a guide for new professionals as it is a wake-up call to the corporate world that things are not the same as they were 5-10 years ago. The focus on the individual is imperative, not only for the candidate’s sake, but for the company’s sake if they want to continue being competitive.
More than anything, Brooke Carter breathes humanity and hope into what can otherwise be a tumultuous set of years. She is honest, intentional, and her bright personality shines throughout every page. This books is a necessity for any Profreshional in your life.
Tl:dr - Profreshional fills a much needed gap in self-help. It’s a breath of fresh air in the world of work advice and offers a refreshing take on navigating life early in your career. Every college graduate entering the corporate world should read this book.
Over the past several years, I’ve read a number of self help books. I love them and hate to love them at the same time. I think it takes a fragile balance of lived experience, research, and outside perspective to deliver something that is informative without being condescending, unique without being tacky, and actionable without being impossible. Brooke Carter’s Profreshional is this perfect blend.
Her premise is simple. No one tells you how difficult and strange it is to navigate the first few years of your professional life (the profreshional years), but you can get through it and you are not alone. She tackles this subject in three sections: The First 90 Days, Everything Else, and From the Masses.
“The First 90 Days” is the dummy’s guide to corporate life you didn’t know you needed. I’m 2 years into my corporate job and can tell you that the struggle is real with regards to work jargon, email/instant message etiquette, understanding PTO, and everything else Carter discusses. This section is filled with semi-anecdotal, digestible tips that can be applied far beyond your first few years in the workforce.
“Everything Else” offers insight into the real, unspoken about, and sometimes ugly sides of finding a healthy work/life balance. Carter really does cover “everything”: drinking at work functions, prioritizing mental health, finding hobbies, providing niche value in your company, fostering mentor relationships, and so much more. Carter uses her own experiences of mistakes, hardships, and triumphs to ensure you that you are not alone. Her words are relatable, her advice is sound, and, more than anything, her message is validating towards all things we might face during this era of life.
“From the masses” is exactly what every book in this genre needs: different perspective. While Carter’s personal writings in the first two sections are very applicable to most new professionals, she recognizes that her identity and experience doesn’t cover everything. Here you’ll find 12 very different pieces of advice from a diverse set of young professionals, yours truly being one of them ;)
Profreshional is as much of a guide for new professionals as it is a wake-up call to the corporate world that things are not the same as they were 5-10 years ago. The focus on the individual is imperative, not only for the candidate’s sake, but for the company’s sake if they want to continue being competitive.
More than anything, Brooke Carter breathes humanity and hope into what can otherwise be a tumultuous set of years. She is honest, intentional, and her bright personality shines throughout every page. This books is a necessity for any Profreshional in your life.
February 2, 2022
As a new professional, I cannot recommend this book enough.
The first year of your professional career can be terrifying - filled with challenges and uncertainties. This book is the guide to everything you need to know (that no one else tells you!) to succeed as a new professional. From practical tips on how to set up your email inbox, to actionable advice on how to approach tough conversations with your manager - this book will help set yourself up for success.
Brooke does a fantastic job of connecting her own personal experiences with insights and advice for anyone starting a new job. She uses a light, funny, and sarcastic tone at times, which makes the book relatable and easy to read - as if you were listening to a friend's advice. And on top of all her amazing advice, Brooke also included a section with advice from her peers - successful professionals with different backgrounds, personal and professional experiences. So I think everyone can find value in this book, no matter who you are, what career you are in, or what stage of your career you are at.
All I can say is: buy this book, you won't regret it. (And then share it with those around you!)
The first year of your professional career can be terrifying - filled with challenges and uncertainties. This book is the guide to everything you need to know (that no one else tells you!) to succeed as a new professional. From practical tips on how to set up your email inbox, to actionable advice on how to approach tough conversations with your manager - this book will help set yourself up for success.
Brooke does a fantastic job of connecting her own personal experiences with insights and advice for anyone starting a new job. She uses a light, funny, and sarcastic tone at times, which makes the book relatable and easy to read - as if you were listening to a friend's advice. And on top of all her amazing advice, Brooke also included a section with advice from her peers - successful professionals with different backgrounds, personal and professional experiences. So I think everyone can find value in this book, no matter who you are, what career you are in, or what stage of your career you are at.
All I can say is: buy this book, you won't regret it. (And then share it with those around you!)
May 13, 2024
I read this book for extra credit in my college class a few years ago and now that I am beginning my professional career, I still use some tips that she gives in the book. She is very down to earth and relatable in her writing and she gives great advice for your first year in your career.
May 31, 2023
This book was great and was a spot on, first hand insight into the professional world and what to expect as a young person going into the “real world”!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews