https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKB2W33J
What
inspired you to write "For The Unguided Twenty-Something Year Old: The
Professional Playbook"?
I was
inspired to write this book because there are so many young adults, from late
adolescence to mid-twenties, who do not have the resources to assist them with
preparing for their first job. Most young adults are not thinking about
preparing early for their career and by the time they begin, they have no idea
where to start. This guide walks them through how to leverage social media for
opportunities, what to do with their gap years, and how to utilize
transferrable skills to create a business or transition to a career industry.
The title
suggests the book is tailored for the 'unguided'. Can you elaborate on what you
mean by that and who exactly you consider to be part of this group?
The unguided
are individuals who are not privileged to attend higher education or have the
resources, money, or people, to assist them on a path of self-sufficiency. I
consider individuals who were raised in the foster care system, raised by
single parents, or a part of underserved communities to be a part of this
group.
You touch
upon the significance of understanding transferable skills. Can you explain why
these are crucial for young adults entering the workforce?
Transferrable
skills are important because each one of us is multifaceted and has different
gifts, talents, and interests. I believe that if one understands how a skill
can serve them in multiple ways, they can make better-informed decisions on
whether going to college is for them or preparing for the workforce through a
trade, etc. There will come a time when one feels that a job no longer holds
their interest, and they may desire to transition into another field. Instead
of having to spend more money on another degree or certificate, perhaps some of
the skills that were gained by their employment will contribute to a successful
transition into the desired field. Transferrable skills are strategies to
success if one knows how to apply them properly.
How does
your guide differentiate itself from other professional advice books targeting
the same age group?
My guide
differentiates itself because it is an ultimate “how-to” with interactive work
pages that prompt the reader to apply what they’ve learned instantly. Instead
of providing difficult jargon to digest, the reader can comprehend and apply
what they’ve learned, which will prompt them to monitor and see results in
their professional development. The workbook pages guide the reader and give
step-by-step instructions, which do not leave the reader guessing or feeling
incapable.
What are
some common fears or misconceptions that twenty-somethings have about the
professional world, and how does your book address them?
Common fears
or misconceptions are that they don’t know how to hold a professional
conversation, so in the book, I provide email and phone scripts that they can
use. They don’t know how to show up professionally online, the book provides
ways to set up email and how to clean up their social media. Some don’t know
what they are good at or want to do. In the book, there is a list of career
quizzes they can take. Also, a list of common industries and certificates or
training that makes one more marketable.
You
mention the importance of professional etiquette. Can you give us a glimpse
into some key elements of this, and why it's so essential?
The key
elements of professional etiquette are showing good communication skills,
leaving an impression, challenging one to be punctual, and showing that one can
be reliable. These are essential because it prepare one to leverage good
relationships through networking. Also, it shows that they can be a great asset
to a company. It teaches one how to behave in a professional setting and the
difference between formal and informal settings.
Many
young adults face the challenge of choosing between pursuing higher education
or diving straight into the workforce. Does your guide offer any advice on
making this crucial decision?
Yes! In
fact, this guide was written with both types of people in mind. It provides the
ultimate advice on how to utilize campus resources to aid on their path to
success. Also, it guides the individual who graduates high school and who may
take a gap year, to learn how to leverage that time by investing in personal
and professional development. For both, it teaches how to utilize volunteering
and internships to gain skills that can be transferrable.
From your
research and experience, what's the most overlooked aspect of preparing for
one's first job?
The most
overlooked aspect of preparing for one’s first job is not being aware of their
purpose. Some follow in the traditional footsteps of family members and do not
truly go after their heart’s desires. Having an inkling of how they envision
their life is often overlooked. Many are taught to go into STEM because that’s
where the most success and money lies.
For those
who might be reading your book while already having started their professional
journey but still feel lost, what would you say is the most valuable lesson for
them?
The most
valuable lesson for them would be to use their current experience and determine
ways they can transfer it into their “dream job” or start a new stream of
income. Also, to use this guide to help tweak how they show up in professional
settings and can level up their online presence professionally.
Finally,
if you could give one piece of advice to all twenty-somethings feeling
overwhelmed by the professional world, what would it be?
One piece of
advice is to take risks! It may be the only time in your life that you will be
able to try anything while you don’t have many responsibilities – such as a
spouse and family. Don’t be afraid to do something different as you are
navigating your path to success. Be okay with the fact that it may look
different than what your family had in mind for you – it must be what you have
in mind for yourself.