Backpack to Briefcase: Steps to a Successful Career

by Terry Arndt, John Ricchini

Backpack To Briefcase is the recent graduate’s essential guide to career success. In today’s job market, a person needs skills and savvy. While college teaches you the fundamentals of your chosen career, Backpack To Briefcase gives you the know-how that many people acquire only after years in the workplace. This book will help you start your career right—from your first day on the job to your annual performance review—and teach you everything you need to know about being a successful professional. Backpack To Briefcase guides you through the process of building a successful career with specific explanations and tips, including: Creating a professional image Communicating effectively and efficiently Advice on workplace etiquette How to network Finding a mentor Learning how to market yourself and stay competitive How to complete a performance review Best ways to ask for a raise or promotion Pointers on working with various personalities Need-to-know information regarding your benefits, your paycheck and your rights as an employee Guidance for dealing with the unpredictable aspects of work life, such as awkward situations and layoffs And much, much more Backpack To Briefcase is designed to answer all the questions you have—and some you’ve never thought to ask! You are on your way to becoming an expert in your field; now, let our experts help you navigate the workplace. So, put down the backpack, pick up that briefcase—and get ready to succeed!

Genres: Professional Development

144 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.