Career Killers/Career Builders: The Book Every Millennial Should Read

by John M. Crossman

John’s passion is helping college students and young professionals reach their potential by avoiding the most dangerous life choices that can cause them to ruin their careers. This book has a wide audience, anyone from the ages 18-31, and the people that employ them. The book is not meant for just people in business, it is meant for any professional. What John has seen, on a national level, is a need for additional training resources for the millennial group on core aspects of being a professional. This book helps them lead a healthy and successful life.

Author’s Bio:
John M. Crossman is a nationally recognized writer and speaker to college students with regard to careers and success. In addition, he is a mentor and a passionate advocate for young professionals.

John is President of Crossman & Company, a regional commercial real estate company based in Orlando. He is married and has two daughters.

Genres: Personal Development, Business

150 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2017

Reviews

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book strikes the perfect balance between a crash course in professionalism/career development and good humor! Packed with great career tips without putting the reader to sleep. You will be glad to have taken the time to read the advice from such a successful individual, guaranteed.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, concise, packed with the hard-won wisdom of extensive experience! It is written principally for young adult readers (HS and college grads, e.g.), but I read it as a form of mid-life review, and found it edifying nonetheless. Crossman's book deserves to at least match the popularity of "Oh The Places You'll Go" as a graduation gift, as it bears not only the message of hopefulness for one's future, but also an actual roadmap for personal success. Good for adult readers of any age, but exceptional for those on the precipices of graduation.

[James Dilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a college senior at FSU myself, this book is an essential for all college students looking to build a meaningful career, not just a series of jobs. Mr. Crossman is dedicated to educating and inspiring young business professionals and this book does just that by laying out wonderful foundations that will help guide students as they enter the workforce.
P.S. The added humor keeps the reader tuned into the much needed message.

[Rudy Milian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspirational and easy to read. Every young person starting out their career should read this book and take to heart the advices the author gives in very simple terms: things you might do that can destroy your career and things you can do to propel your career. The author tells it like it is in plain conversational style. This book is a must read.

[AC Chabon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by Mr. Crossman's recent talk at my university, I immediately downloaded the Kindle ebook to read. This is a must read for anyone starting out, as well as for those in transition. This book serves as an invaluable guide and resource that I am grateful to have encountered early in my FSU education as it can serve as a resource beyond graduation. Through this book, Mr. Crossman teaches the pitfalls of self-destructive behavior such as addiction while showing us how to create a meaningful and relevant brand throughout our careers for success. He encourages gratitude with service as we network and approach prospective mentors and teachers in both our academic and professional careers. In my opinion, through his book, Mr. Crossman demonstrates the meaning of true mentorship as he exemplifies compassionate professionalism that values the heart at work.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! Great for students and people looking to really get their careers started.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable resource for all generations. This is not only a great personal reference but makes a great gift for college students getting out into the workforce.

[AC Chabon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by Mr. Crossman's recent talk at my university, I immediately downloaded the Kindle ebook to read. This is a must read for anyone starting out, as well as for those in transition. This book serves as an invaluable guide and resource that I am grateful to have encountered early in my FSU education as it can serve as a resource beyond graduation. Through this book, Mr. Crossman teaches the pitfalls of self-destructive behavior such as addiction while showing us how to create a meaningful and relevant brand throughout our careers for success. He encourages gratitude with service as we network and approach prospective mentors and teachers in both our academic and professional careers. In my opinion, through his book, Mr. Crossman demonstrates the meaning of true mentorship as he exemplifies compassionate professionalism that values the heart at work.

[Mel Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off doing a great job breaking down the killers: drugs&alcohol, sex, greed, temperament and pride. To then transition to the builders: mentors, relationships, professional counseling, being coachable and connections.

It's an easy read and the author is good at giving examples from his personal experience. As a millennial this book made me really think about what steps I should take to find a career. I will definitely be using the authors advice to help me find a career I am happy with.

[R K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Graduation Gift! - This book would make a wonderful Graduation Gift! It is easy to read, yet has such valuable advice for those seeking to make a good impression in the work force. Following this practical, yet insightful advice can set you apart from the crowd. Purchase one for your favorite High School and College grads.

[Denise Fierro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was GREAT! I'm a visual learner and John has a spectacular way of painting you a picture of what to do and what not to do in the workforce. Coming from a student who just graduated with their masters and in her mid-20's, there is still plenty of things to be learned and instilled in our lives. This book is a MUST to get you fully motivated to live an exceptional life.

[Anjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a UF undergrad/grad student, this book has been so beneficial to read. Not only will it help me professionally, but also personally. I recommend this book to anyone!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author highlights and expounds on five career killers and five career builders and what's interesting is that they seem trivial but they do affect growth and destroy reputations.
I loved the tone of writing. It's engaging and the use of case studies and real life situations which helped bring out what the author was saying.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I was really interested in reading this book because I engage with young people and wanted to gain understanding on mentorship and clarity on what defines a job and what defines a career.

[Lauren Appelbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book my senior year of college and it certainly put my future into perspective. This book had excellent insight about how I could begin to start thinking proactively about post grad and what actions I should be taking now to get there. Crossman brilliantly combines humor and strategies to get his point across in this easy to read success guide.

[Lauren Appelbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book my senior year of college and it certainly put my future into perspective. This book had excellent insight about how I could begin to start thinking proactively about post grad and what actions I should be taking now to get there. Crossman brilliantly combines humor and strategy to get his point across in this easy to read success guide.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those essential books that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime! It will inspire you to build a meaningful career, not just settle up for a series of jobs. Mr. Crossman does a great job in laying out wonderful foundations that will help guide students as they enter the workforce. Very informative!

[Aaron Peabody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that could not have come at a better time. As a senior in college, this book has helped me prepare for life after graduation. The title says it all, 5 great things that one can do to further one's career along with 5 things one should avoid that could damage one's career

[J.C. Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, perfect for Gen Z and millennials

This is a wonderfully educational book. My Dad actually recommended it for me, as he knows the author quite well.

Crossman dives into all the issues that new businessmen and women face. Through examples he has personally witnessed, he shows how a "newbie" needs to comport themselves.

There are career killers and career builders. This book teaches you the kinds of killers and builders, how to avoid the killers, and thus how to build your infant career to new heights. Personally, I will take the educational and informational guidance and keep it close. The stuff in here is invaluable.

[John Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet profound. This book needs to be read by every high school student, college student, or business professional in their twenties. Great practical advice for keeping one's career out of the ditch and simple ways for helping one's career to soar. The author frequently speaks to college students mostly in Florida and you can watch some of those lectures on Youtube.

I am reading Career Killer/Career Builders with my high school boys this summer as they are starting to dream about their professions. I am pairing this book with Clifton's Strenths for Students. So it's a one-two punch of "here is what you are good at," and "here is how to not screw it up, and maybe even thrive."

[Teresa O'Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book full of Real life experiences. No matter what type of business we are in, we face these same Real Life challenges.
The book was an easy read, and is an ideal book for young out of school professionals. There are quite a few takeaways, the first of my takeaways is to be consistent and persistent throughout your career. The second takeaway is to have a passion for whatever you do. I agree fully with both of these. It is important to like/love what you do.
Mr. Crossman sets the stage and the foundation for any individual to start in the workforce. I highly recommend to read this book no matter what stage of your career you are at.

[BEATRICE VEGAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though intended for millennials, this book could easily benefit professionals, businessmen and adults of all ages looking to improve their careers, figure where they went wrong or perhaps check their mindset. Moreover, it could serve as a handbook for a wide audience whether in education or not. Written in the style of a public lecture the book captures what could possibly be career killers i.e. the traps and habits we often unwittingly fall into that spell a death knell to ones careers either before one has even started or along the way. Likewise, Crossman enumerates and discusses those aspects that help build ones career. Wholesome, forthright and empowering the book seeks to encourage folks from all walks of life who choose to have a career rather than a mere job. An enthusiastic Crossman takes time to explain this difference. In the present scruple less dog eat dog world encouraging a go-getter lifestyle for success he refreshingly urges his readers the importance of integrity and character building. With lucidity and precision Crossman makes a case for each of the career killers and career builders. A successful executive and philanthropist Crossman has lectured, spoken and mentored numerous students and is thus well qualified to impart advice.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most useful books I have read regarding career choice and decision making. Crossman uses his life experiences with coworkers and friends that have made some of the career killer choices that he addresses in the book. The personal connection helped me to understand that the career killer choices not only affect the people that do them, but effects the company, the individual’s friends, and their family. The book focuses on decisions that seem small looking from the outside but seeing the effects that happen to the individuals after the fact allows for the reader to see completely how poor and selfish decisions take down a person. Avoiding the killers are key, but the builders also play into the plan of having a successful career. Crossman says things such as being teachable and having a strong support system can make you excel in your career, which are important things to know for the up and coming professional. I very much enjoyed the book!

[Alexander Pantaleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re just about to graduate from college or are already in the working world, this book is a must read.

Mr. Crossman draws out a very simple yet in depth and clear outline of the things that will help you thrive in your career and things that can destroy your career. He ties in real life examples which makes them all the more memorable and interesting to read.

Not only does this book provide a guide to help you prosper in your current or future career (or job if you’re not in your career yet) but it also defines the difference between the two and emphasizes the importance of evolving towards that career that is going to get you out of bed, eager for the day to come.

I’ve read quite a bit of books that have focused on specific facets of the business and working world, however, this is the first book that I have read that sets a very dynamic foundation on how to grow both interpersonally and career wise.

[Piper Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for anyone in the work force. As is teaches many valuable lessons. I read this book in preparation to going to a conference. It increased my awareness as to what an employer may be looking for in a new hire. Not only does this book aid in how to secure a job, but also touches on how to keep a job you have already. This makes the book applicable to people of all ages.

Furthermore, John Crossman has a lot of creditability. He is the youngest FSU College of Business Hall of Fame recipient. John has also made himself a big name in the Real Estate Sector among shopping centers. As CEO of his company, John has many valuable insights to share with a reader. I suggest anyone wanting to get an extra edge in their career to give this book a read!

[Marshall Polston · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Crossman’s Career Killers, Career Builders imbues the reader with a panoramic view of success and failure. Why do some people succeed while many fail? How does a young person build their career to new heights against the odds? A major cornerstone to success in Crossman’s view revolves around the abdication of entitlement. No one is owed anything and there is no golden ticket to success. This book is a life changer and for me, I found chapter four especially important: “becoming coachable, we are all reachable.” There’s no excuse for being hard headed. We should all seek to better ourselves even if it means setting down our pride. I’m thankful that a friend recommended this book to me and I’m know that you will find it just as compelling and inspirational.

[Jeremy Gannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is outstanding. It is chock full of useful advice particularly for not only college students preparing to go out into the workforce, but young professionals looking to get an extra edge. My brother and I used this book to fill gaps in our knowledge of professionalism where we felt shortchanged by our high school and college curriculum. I can honestly say after reading this book, we are in much better shape professionally than where we were before.

I would highly recommend this book to any young person looking to advance their knowledge of professionalism. This book WILL add value to you far exceeding the modest price tag.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone desiring succinct knowledge concerning how to behave in the work arena, this book is for you. I myself am around the corner from starting my career journey, and I want to be as prepared as possible for it, so this book sparked my interest. It took minimal time and effort to read “Career Killers/Career Builders” because all the information is right to the point and the language is accessible. Additionally, all the advice is brimming with real-life examples which sustains your interest. A section of the book I distinctly remember is when John Crossman describes how a mentoring relationship ought to function. One might think it would not be mutually beneficial due to the mentor having all the money and experience. But the author helpfully points out that the mentee does indeed have assets to contribute; they are simply in a different currency from the mentor’s. Examples of these different assets include free time, social media savvy, etc. Like myself, you are bound to find the information in this book useful and enlightening.

[Ben R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Crossman's book covers a variety of topics that are important to have a firm grasp on as one enters the workforce. While some may seem basic, I found they entered two categories: Those that are incredibly important to succeeding professionally, or those which if one fails to adhere to them will result in severe consequences. Reading this book would help a lot of those who are about to start work and want to make sure they're on the right path.

[Harley M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every owner and manager should have their employees read this book. On the surface, some of the lessons may seem like common sense, but in my ten years of management experience, I’ve watched too many people make these exact mistakes and suffer the consequences. This book shines a light on issues that can make or break a career, and I believe it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to grow both personally and professionally.

[Garrison Frazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossman has a talent for taking concepts that seem obvious on the surface and showing why they actually matter in real life. This book gave me a better understanding of how small habits, good or bad, shape the opportunities you get. It doesn’t overwhelm you with theory; instead, it gives you real examples and practical takeaways that make you rethink how you show up professionally. I walked away feeling more intentional about the kind of career I want to build.