Advice for life after graduation

As some of us are approaching our senior year of college, it’s difficult not to think about life after college. In fact, it’s something most of us keep at the back of our minds. Let’s face it – working an eight to five workday with no chance to sneak in a nap doesn’t sound too appealing. Unfortunately, we all have to go on to our next step, but sometimes getting there can be a little confusing in how to handle all the politics.

Victoria Pilate, Ph.D., has written a book, “Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms,” to help students get some insight on how to handle the big move.

The economist-turned-writer shares her experience of working 15 years for the government and other jobs, and her graduate work where she studied why people get hired and stay on a company’s payroll.

If judging a book from its cover, it seems to be the typical, boring, power-point designed self-help read.

The cover states it’s “a guide for all majors in making the transition from college to the real world,” however it seems it is only designed for the ‘office space’ type of work atmosphere. The type of place that needs to ask about your TPS reports.

I have to say I like the layout, all the main points are bolded and then discussed. Each page offers a graphic box placed on the sides of the text to give readers the important information from the section or helpful tips, such as what could be “kisses of death for interview.”

Pilate’s book is split into 10 chapters. Chapter one is titled “Hitting the Pavement” and it offers some key points such as what to wear at job fairs and what questions to ask. Then again, most of the information offered seems to be common sense. The only thing that really stuck out to me is when Pilate tells readers it’s a good idea to have published writing, whether it be in a club’s newsletter or college newspaper, to show your writing skills and display knowledge in a particular area.

Another interesting point Pilate makes is to begin looking for jobs during sophomore and junior year.

A delightful read comes in the chapter, “The Great Leap Forward,” where Pilate created personalities for common new employee personality complaints. Some which include “Bob the Eager Beaver,” “Fearful Fred” and “Pam the Party Girl.”

This is a do and a don’t book. Many people know not to browse the Internet at work. However, I did learn something very interesting in the “Style and Image” chapter where there is a box dedicated to how many earrings, bracelets and rings men and women are able to wear on the job.

“Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms” is a great read for the college student who has always had everything done for them and has no experience in the workforce. Other than spending $13 to have common etiquette written out, 324 pages worth, I rather read a good novel to improve my vocabulary for my next interview.