Review/Giveaway: Higher Education

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Higher Education:  On Life, Landing a Job, and Everything Else They Didn't Teach You in College
Author: Kenneth Jedding

Genre: Adult nonfiction (for college grads)

How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: June 25, 2010

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.

I've been a little behind on things this weekend - thanks to a couple of out-of-town graduations and mini-family reunion thrown in the mix.  And speaking of graduations, I've got the perfect gift book for you!

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Publisher:  Rodale Books
Physical Description: 256-page hardcover
List Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1605296760

Synopsis:

Today's college grads face a new set of challenges brought on by a sluggish job market, changing technology, and staggering amounts of debt. The rules have changed since their parents were in school, leaving young adults at a loss for advice that addresses their immediate concerns as well as the big-picture questions with which each generation of young adults must contend.


Life coach Ken Jedding has spent the past decade talking one-on-one with college students and graduates across the country in his workshops and lectures. In Higher Education, he provides a fresh, modern guidebook to postcollegiate life that addresses the issues and concerns he hears voiced most often. From the lofty What is my purpose in life? to the practical How can I land my dream job? to the increasingly common (if somewhat terrifying) How did I wind up back in my parents' house?, Jedding's valuable insight, wisdom, and humor provide a much-needed roadmap for the journey that is only just beginning.

About the Author:

Kenneth Jedding holds a bachelor's degree in French language and literature, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Education.  He has also been a banker, a teacher, and a mentor through various programs in New York City and abroad.  For 10 years, he has lectured as a career counselor and life coach at colleges and universities across America.

What I Liked:  This book is beautifully organized, easy to read, and full of helpful advice.  It's made up of four parts:  careers, relationships, parents, and perspective.  And while it is very much geared toward the recent young college graduate, it's got some great advice for anyone.

I appreciate the positive tone of the book.  While it readily acknowledges the challenges graduates may face, it provides lots of practical ideas to surmount those challenges.  For instance, the relationships section identifies the feelings a young person may be going through in his or her desire for a partner, and then puts things into perspective, showing how life alone, realizing and pursuing personal interests, can be a great preparation for a future relationship, etc.

Having done my share of interviewing and hiring, I must say the career section of the book is right on.  For instance, your major really doesn't limit your career choices very much.  If you've got a 4yr degree, I'll probably put you on par with most other college graduates, regardless of your major, if you can show me how your experience is relevant to the job.

What I Didn't Like:  Got nothing for you here!  This is a secular book, and there's plenty of good stuff in here regardless of your religious beliefs.

Thanks to Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for the review and giveaway copies of this book.