@ the Entry Level: On Survival, Success, & Your Calling as a Young Professional
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Book Description
CASH. COERCION. CONS. Whatever it takes to get unsuspecting grads to sign that offer letter, Corporate America is game. Because once it’s finally plain that the entry level, in fact, is a hellish and demeaning place of gruntwork, brownnosing, and mental drool, the ink’s already dry and the newbies in bed. Way in, what with the pressure to keep post-college résumés stocked with "respectable" Fortune 500 firms. Instead, most early-stage workers end up ashamedly burying their dreams underneath their paychecks, suffering quietly through the frustration, depression, and thoughts of beating their manager with a stick. No more. @ THE ENTRY LEVEL is designed to lead you through the psychologies, philosophies, and strategies for succeeding in business’ basement, but with the single-minded purpose of finding the work you were made to do. It’s the first book ever to dispel the myths, whisper the tricks, and supply the tools to help you as a young professional: > Manage the transition from college to work.
> Negotiate the Entry Level Rite of Passage.
> Navigate office politics and build your personal brand.
> Earn the promotion or transfer with the right fit.
> Locate a sturdy work – life balance.
> Uncover your values to make healthy career decisions.
> Gain the courage to follow your passion Further taking a hard look at the seduction of money, the silliness of company loyalty, and the side effects of waiting until midlife to figure out what your job should mean, this is the indispensable guide for career freshmen seeking a richer, deeper, more meaningful working life. And for those who just need to keep breathing.
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2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
This is the one, finally.Wednesday, November 03, 2004
For the record, this is my very first Amazon review because I finally found a book that is worthy of a 5 star review. After reading several post-college graduate books, @ the Entry Level finally stops beating around the bush and tells you how it really is and how to succeed after college in the jungle known as 'the real world.' Anyone in my position (fresh out of college, has a job, has no idea how the real world works) should pick up this book immediately. Michael Ball relates to our position and generation very accurately and convincingly as well. Teaches you the politics of business and how to sell yourself for future promotions and growth. Much more than a post-college book, I recommend it for anyone trying to get a competitive edge and understanding for themselves in the workplace.
1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Amazing!Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Anyone who's in (or just about to enter) Corporate America and hasn't read this book is at a serious disadvantage! Not only does it show you how to work more effectively with managers and seniors, but it even talks about promotions and career paths, early decision-making, work - life balance, and how to build a personal "brand."
Plus it really gets you to think about the deeper meaning of your career: where it's all leading, how money fits into the equation, and what you're going to want to look back on your life and see. The author obviously cares about his readers, and that makes it even more worthwhile. Truly an informative, provoking (and controversial) book!
3 out of 6 people found the following review helpful:
nothing new for people who figured out their callingTuesday, October 28, 2003
I was actually a bit disappointed in this book because I expected more advice on how to deal with the survival and achieve success rather than how to find a true calling. I do think I have found that true calling already thus this part was not interesting for me. I was fresh out of grad school when I got this book and despite having some work experience I did not think I had come even close to starting to figure out office politics etc. This book has not offered me many new insights and I still feel I am at the starting point re: survival and success. If anyone has good tips on books that might be more helpful, please let me know.
6 out of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Mr Ball's book really got me rollingWednesday, May 14, 2003
I've been in the workforce for almost twenty years, and am only now going back to college, but I felt like this book was written just for me. It talks about direction, and uses words we don't see enough of - like Passion, and Value. After working in customer service for so long, every word he said rang true. It is obvious he has studied many succesful people (from the quotes and anecdotes he sprinkles throughout the book) and is trying to pass on what he has learned from them while emphasizing that most important third dimension of work - satisfaction. (The first and second being Money and a Benefit Package *wink*)
While the theme is a serious one, the book is a great read. Michael's style makes you feel like he's right there in the room telling his jokes in person. The intimacy really worked for me. I'm glad I picked this up - I might even change my major!
4 out of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Well worth your timeTuesday, May 13, 2003
Every graduating student should consider reading this book. It provides an honest and thoughtful account of life as a young professional. By sharing his own difficulties, Mr. Ball helps us avoid some of the difficulties that he encountered. Mr. Ball obviously spent a lot of time articulating his thoughts, and by spending a few hours reading and thinking about his experiences, one may save oneself from a few years of frustration.