Are there any good books for college-age people on launching a career?

October 19, 2021 5:21 AM

I would be especially interested in practical books on professional development that are sensitive to the realities of students that do not have a lot of money. Some books erroneously assume that doing a lot of unpaid work is an option, but not everyone can be financially supported by family after they are an adult. Other books tend to focus on following dreams, without attention paid to how to do that on a practical level. Still other books tend to assume that the reader is mid-career with a lot of work experience already. I would love to learn about some books that avoid these pitfalls, and which would be relevant to people that are 18-22. Getting from College to Career used to be good, but since it is now pushing a decade old it feels dated to young people. I would love to learn about books like What Color is Your Parachute, but aimed at young people rather than people of all ages. Bonus points if the books are actually enjoyable to read.
posted by mortaddams to Work & Money (3 answers total)

Best answer: I haven't read it but apparently this is a thing that exists:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612692/what-color-is-your-parachute-for-college-by-katharine-brooks-edd/

Amazon reviews are decent.
posted by cultureclash82 at 5:39 AM on October 19, 2021

I’m a career counselor and have recommended Don Asher’s “ How to Get Any Job: Life Launch and Re-Launch for Everyone Under 30 (or How to Avoid Living in Your Parents' Basement)” to several young folks.
posted by MonsieurBon at 6:35 AM on October 19, 2021 [1 favorite]

There's a book called "How to be useful" that is an overview of decades of business self help advice sort of distilled into the sort of thing you are looking for.
posted by drezdn at 7:46 AM on October 19, 2021 [1 favorite]