Do you know a college student about to enter the workforce? Sure, you could get her a nice watch, but why not give her the information she’ll need to help her get a job, jumpstart her career, and navigate the world post-dorm. These books, all written by fabulous Innovation Women speakers, will educate, motivate, and stimulate the soon-to-be graduate in your life.
She has her diploma or will soon. Now what?
Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want by Jenny Blake, serves as a guide to recent graduates on work, family, home, dating, health, and personal growth. Full of tips and inspirational quotes, it’s like a life coach in a book.
Now that she’s acting like an adult, it’s time for her to pay bills like one. Before that happens, she’ll need a job.
Michelle Tillis Lederman’s book, Nail the Interview, Land the Job: A Step-by-Step Guide for What to Do Before, During and After the Interview, breaks down the job-seeking process. What’s the best way to prepare for an interview? What should you wear? What should you bring? What questions should you ask? What questions should you never ask? There are chapters covering headhunters, career counselors, and job fairs, along with special sections for new graduates, parents returning to the workforce, and the recently unemployed. It’s a jungle out there. Let this book be the machete that cuts through the job-hunting weeds.
She’s in. It’s time to meet the people who can help her move up or on in her career.
The Networking Survival Guide, Second Edition: Practical Advice to Help You Gain Confidence, Approach People, and Get the Success You Want by Diane Darling explains everything from using the proper etiquette at business social events to identifying and developing relationships and becoming a resource for others. Whether you’re a whiz at meeting people or find it hard to get out there, this book will help you network strategically and put your best foot forward.
Networking’s a vital skill. Now, how should she act in the office?
Elizabeth Freedman’s book, Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself tells you how to avoid major gaffes in the workplace as you climb the corporate ladder. What does business casual really mean? You’ll learn how to deal with the boss from Hell, write a compelling email, and ask for a raise. Freedman, an expert in business etiquette, also explains how to be heard at meetings and how not to burn bridges.
She’s been working a while and has managed not to send too many reply all emails. Suddenly, someone wants her to run a project. Yikes!
Poof! You’re A Project Manager: And Other Delusions of Grandeur by Dee Suberla, guides you, using fun examples, through the ups and downs of assignments and tells you how to remain professional and keep your sense of humor.
With solid advice and positive attitudes, these authors and their books will help your bachelor with a bachelor’s navigate the cruel waters of the job market, a networking cocktail party, a cubicle warren, and young adulthood in general.
Once she’s read all these, she can buy her own watch.
Looking for more motivational books for your future grad? Try these, all penned by Innovation Women.
Create Your Best Year One Day At a Time by Clara Angelina Diaz
Get Noticed. Be Remembered.: Creating a Personal Brand Strategy for Success by Krista Clive-Smith
Managing Up by Mary Abbajay
Hire Me! Secrets of Job Interviewing by Patricia Drain
Don’t Hook Up With the Dude in the Next Cube: 200+ Career Secrets for 20-Somethings by Nancy A. Shenker
Grace Trail: Find Your Footing and Move Toward The Life You Were Meant To Live by Anne Barry Jolles
Mingle to Millions by Cami Baker
Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships in a Hyper-Connected World by Kelly Hoey
