I’m so mad at myself. Mad for not finishing this book earlier. The authoress Chaz Pitts-Kyser sent her book Careeranista: The Woman’s Guide To Success After College– back to me in February and at that time I had every intention of finishing the book within the week. Chile, I was in my senior year of college though and I was overwhelmed with completing my final internship and its portfolio requirements, passing statistics and all my other classes, fulfilling obligations to students organizations, learning about my new role as Co-Chair of Houston Fashion Bloggers and trying to write some kind of post on this site for you guys…needless to say I was more than overwhelmed.

Now that I’m graduated, moved into my new apartment, and am now finishing up the final weeks of a contract position I took while I look for my dream job, I finally had  time to read it. Once, I started reading, I literally finished it one day–the book is that good. It has helped to answer questions I had about post graduate transition and finding my place in the professional workplace. The book is candid, providing real life anecdotes from both Chaz and other professional women who shared their story. I found myself laughing at some of the humorous stories she shared and other times I was almost in tears because her words captured every feeling that I have been feeling.

Interwoven between the stories is real life advice given to you straight up. The book covers things like : Job Searching in a Tough Job Market, Building a Positive Professional Image,  Handling Conflicts With Co-Workers, Attaining Work-Life Balance, Overcoming Self-Doubt & Fear of Failure, Getting Your Finances in Check, and Succeeding in Corporate America. The book also covers the hard topics that you hope you never have to deal with like sexism, racism, and getting fired.  She also gives encouragement about starting your own business and knowing when to walk away from certain situations.

Here are some of the things I took away from the book:

-“As any trusty GPs can show you, there are multiple ways to get to a destination—that destination being a career that fully utilizes your talents, not necessarily a specific job or employment within a specific company.”

-“You don’t have to have everything all figured out. However, you do have to figure out something.”

-“Figure out why you’re not like your competitors and use that as a selling point when you’re looking for a position or promotion.”

-“Stay in yours until you are sure you know enough to help someone else drive.”

In addition  to this book Chaz also operates a site by the same name Careeranista.com  where she shares articles, tips, and stories of other women to help recent grads and young professional women succeed.

This is a definite must read!

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