Penelope Trunk’s book Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success is an excellent guidebook for under 30 year-olds who are trying to make sense of what they can and should do with their careers.
She presents quick hitter after quick hitter, every few pages introducing a new pithy "rule" such as "Be a Sponge" or "A Resume is a Sales Tool, Not a Work Summary" or "Hunting for a Job is a Lifestyle" or "The Difference Between Fear and Excitement is Breathing". Most of her advice is spot-on.
Penelope tries to be provocative, and she succeeds. And she does it with the same honest, accessible voice that’s made her a successful columnist online and in the Boston Globe.
The only weakness in the book is its lack of in-depth stories and narrative. For me, longer stories are a fantastic way to really understand the issues at hand, and more, I tend to remember the lessons well beyond 24 hours after reading the book. If you like longer prose where the messages are a tad more subtle and nuanced, I recommend you pair a Po Bronson book with Penelope’s.
All in all, though, Brazen Careerist is an awesome resource for young people thinking about their career. I also recommend Penelope’s blog. She’s a great person.
- Brazen Careerist on Amazon
- Penelope’s Blog
- Ramit Sethi’s review of the book
I love that…
“The difference between fear and excitement is breathing.”
That is so true. I remember many times when I was out on the pitchers mound when I was on the edge or fear and excitement…and I would have to tell myself…Take a deep breath….relax…and go after the hitter!
Thanks for sharing Ben!
Your Blog Rocks!
Scott Bradley
http://scottgbradley.blogspot.com
I’d be really interested in how you propose that we use the silly platitudes and generic advice that most business advice book contain and apply it to everyday life and business. Frankly, I don’t need somebody telling me I should “Be A Sponge” or “Use My Resume As A Blah Blah Blah” – I need somebody who can help me apply this basic knowledge to my own experiences and my own needs! Can any book do this?
Scott, I hate to break the news to you, but very few business books have the “meat” that you are looking for.
Instead, I suggest a trip a different section of the library, the section where the classics are. Read them. Much more substance than the average business book. More wisdom too.
Scott, I hate to break the news to you, but very few business books have the “meat” that you are looking for.
Instead, I suggest a trip to a different section of the library, the section where the classics are. Read them. Much more substance than the average business book. More wisdom too.