Groundwork: Laying the foundation for career success

by Elizabeth Wallace

Overview

Whether you are simply curious about different career pathways, currently choosing your subjects for Years 11 and 12, or preparing to enter the workforce soon, this book was written for you.

We know it can be overwhelming to think about the working world out there, but the good news is, there are practical tools, useful resources and knowledgeable people to help you navigate your first move with confidence and optimism. You might not know what you want to do as a career just yet, but rest assured, you have skills and talents that are of value to the world. No exceptions. We're here to help you discover what those are, and start planning for a working life that will best suit you.

By reading this book and undertaking some self-exploration as you go along, you are laying the groundwork for the first step in your career-planning journey.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781923443631
Publisher:	Green Hill Publishing
Publication date:	07/17/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	184
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Dr Elizabeth Wallace is an artist, designer and writer. She was awarded her BDes from UNSW Art and Design, MRes from Glasgow School of Art, and PhD (Art) from RMIT. She has worked in the fields of environment and interior design, design management and art strategy. She maintains her own creative studio practice and lives in Sydney, Australia.

Table of Contents

Foreword - 1

About This Book - 2

How to Use This Book - 5

Why You Should Read This Book - 7

Chapter 1. It's All About YOU - 13

Your Environment Matters - 13

Your Identity - 15

Socioeconomic Status - 18

Do What Interests You - 19

Think About Your Purpose - 22

Stay Open-Minded About Your Options - 26

Become Aware of Your Inner Critic - 27

Being Ambitious... Or Not - 29

Being Authentically Yourself - 31

Educational Environments - 33

Defining Success - 36

Key Takeaways - 39

Chapter 2. Your Emotions and Feelings - 41

Thinking and Feeling - Together - 41

Handling the Overwhelm - 43

Waiting for the 'Right' or 'Perfect' Time to Begin - 45

Taking Action Under Pressure - 47

Fear of Change - 49

Living With Your Fears - 51

Hello, Impostor Syndrome - 53

Failure and Rejection - 55

'Looks Good' vs 'Feels Good' - 57

Prioritising Happiness and Connection - 59

Key Takeaways - 61

Chapter 3. Your Behaviours - 63

Being Proactive Is Essential - 63

Avoid Using 'Should' - 65

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone - 67

You Can Always Change Your Mind - 69

It's Okay to Quit - 71

Natural Talent vs Hard Work - 73

Life/work Balance - 75

Key Takeaways - 77

Chapter 4. Your Influencers - 79

Your Family Life - 79

Your Friends - 83

Your Coaches, Mentors and Teachers - 86

Seeking Out Role Models - 88

Identifying Barriers to Entry - 90

Taking Thoughtless Remarks to Heart - 92

Our Basic Desire to Belong - 95

Finding Your Community - 96

Comparison, Competition and Being Cool - 98

Shaping Your Reputation - 100

Key Takeaways - 103

Chapter 5. The World of Work - 105

The Workplace - 105

Work and Fun... Together Forever - 111

The Elephant in the Room - Money - 112

Creating Your Own Job - 117

The Good and Bad of a Gap Year - 120

You Can Be Two Things (Or More) at Once - 123

You Think You Know, But Maybe You Don't - 125

Not Labels, but Quality of Experience - 129

The Jobs and Industries of the Future Are Unknown - 130

You're On Your Own Unique Path - 134

Key Takeaways - 135

Chapter 6. How To Take Action - 137

Consolidate Your 'Inside' Work - 137

Begin Your 'Outside' Research - 139

BRAINSTORM ACTIVITY 1 - 148

BRAINSTORM ACTIVITY 2 - 149