2021-07-22
A leadership coach offers career guidance for teens in this debut manual.
Raymond’s book is precisely targeted to high school students who want assistance in career development. Defining careering as “taking progressive action in pursuit of a profession or venture,” the author sets forth an eight-step process. The steps themselves are nothing new: They encompass common areas, such as exploring career options, seeking out resources, networking, applying for jobs, and interviewing. The differentiator is Raymond’s gentle but persistent motivational text, coupled with questions and guided exercises that lead a young job seeker to take the appropriate actions. In discussing opportunities to examine different career options, the author covers extracurricular activities, independent study, college immersion programs and summer camps, seasonal and entry-level jobs, internships, and competitions and entrepreneurship. She describes each area briefly and then encourages self-reflection; for example, regarding independent study, Raymond inquires: “From your areas of interest, how can you create an independent study? Record your thoughts below and schedule time to discuss this with your teacher. Put a plan in place to make it happen.” Her counsel concerning interviews is helpful. In addition to basic guidance about advance preparation, the author lists some specific interview questions and provides tips for how to answer them. Particularly valuable are the words of wisdom Raymond imparts about handling a new position. She discusses understanding a manager’s expectations, the performance review process, and other corporate aspects of a job. She shrewdly includes a mention of working on projects that may not go well. “Consider what you could have done differently, rather than pointing fingers,” Raymond writes. “That is the whole concept of leadership, being accountable and responsible.” Later, she suggests: “If you notice a problem at work, try coming up with a possible solution and share it with your supervisor.” These are the kinds of experience-based, character-building statements that point first-time workers in the right direction. The author also encourages readers to revisit the eight-step process “every year—or even every few months.” Throughout the book, Raymond adopts the appropriate tone and uses uncomplicated language, writing authoritatively without talking down to readers.
Down-to-earth, personal, and effective career counseling.
