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Solving the Professional Development Puzzle: 101 Solutions for Career and Life Planning
Robert M. Sherfield, Community College of Southern Nevada
Patricia G. Moody, The University of South Carolina

ISBN-10: 0135003652
ISBN-13: 9780135003657

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2009
Format: Paper; 240 pp
Published: 07/29/2008

Suggested retail price: $30.00
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Courses in Professional and Career Development, specifically classes that stress resume writing, cover letters, professional etiquette, interviewing, and getting ready for the global workplace.

 

Written in an engaging, common-sense, step-by-step tone, Solving the Professional Development Puzzle addresses many issues facing graduates in today’s ever-changing, demanding workplace.  From working in a global economy to dining with class and grace to constructing a powerful, error-free resume and cover letter, to interviewing with confidence and accuracy, this text offers a plethora of activities, advice, examples, and suggestions for developing a power job search plan.  Strong coverage of ethics and character development is included, as well as a detailed chapter on financial management in the transition for college to the world of work including advice on buying a car, avoiding credit card debt, to avoiding pay-day and car title loans.  The text addresses the topics of professional presence and dress, avoiding workplace landmines, and becoming a leader in one's chosen profession.

“Why” Questions: Serve as objectives for the chapter: These questions identify some of the main questions that students should answer as they work through each chapter.  They are designed to focus attention on the most important discussion issues.  The questions can be used to begin discussion on the chapter. (Ex. pp 1, 25, 39)

 

Solutions: The book is designed around 101 solutions to career and life planning and are strategically placed in each chapter according to the content.  Each solution builds on the next and serves as a piece of the professional development puzzle. (Ex. pp 2, 9, 15)

 

If You Were in Charge:  Students are given a workplace situation that is typical of s real-workplace situation many employers and employees face frequently.  This exercise provides students opportunities to explore their decision-making and critical thinking abilities in the safety of the classroom. (Ex. pp 22, 36, 65)

 

Putting It All Together:  Each chapter features a brief summary of closing thoughts to assist the student in finishing with an encapsulation of main ideas featured in each chapter. (Ex. pp 24, 38, 68)

 

Quotes: Each chapter has quotes relevant to the material found in the chapter.  Quotes are scattered throughout the chapter to reinforce solutions, stories, situations, and other subject matter. (Ex. pp 3, 12, 18)

 

Exercises:  We have included a wide array of activities in each book chapter to aid in self-discovery, discussion, and facilitation by the instructor. Additional activities are included in the 300+ page Instructor's Manual. (Ex. pp 19, 37, 49)

 

Quick Facts:  Each chapter contains a quick fact that provides up-to-date, relevant information for that particular area of subject matter. (Ex. pp 8, 34, 45)

 

Biggest Interview Blunders:  Since the overriding purpose of this book is to assist students in finding and securing a highly desirable position, this feature is designed to help them avoid common interview blunders.  These tips are found in each chapter. (Ex. pp 35, 47, 88)

 

Graduate Quotes:  Each chapter features a quote from a recent graduate who shares with students a tip learned when searching for a job.  The tips come from graduates who have a variety of majors, making the information relevant across the board.  Each student’s graduating institution, major, and current position is listed. (Ex. pp 14, 30, 42)

 

Think About It:  This chapter feature is based on a real-life situation that requires students to think about how they would respond if they were in the given situation.  (Ex. pp 17, 28, 50)

 

Positive Habits at Work:  This feature is designed to instill in students positive work habits that should help them be successful in their chosen careers.  Emphasis is placed on ethics, credibility, communcation, and leadership. (Ex. pp 20, 31, 66)

Chapter 1        Discovering Who You Are: Setting Yourself Apart and Finding Your Direction

 

1          Know Who You Are and Where You’re Going

2          Recognize and Own Your Strengths

3          Identify Your Personality Type and Use It to Best Advantage

4          Know What You Want from Life and Work

5          Identify and Emulate Your Role Models

6          Determine What You Value

7          Recognize the Power of Your Values and Beliefs

8          Understand Your Emotional Responses

9          Articulate Your Hopes and Goals

10        Choose Optimism and Surround Yourself with Optimistic People

 

Chapter 2        Cultivating Your Character and Ethics: Who Are You When No One Is Looking?

 

11        Understand the Dynamics of Ethics, Integrity, and Character

12        Be Proud of Your Name and Reputation

13        Develop and Maintain a Strong Moral Character

14        Develop a Resilient Work Ethic

15        Understand the True Nature of Respect

16        Avoid Moral Bankruptcy

17        Be Trustworthy

18        Honor Your Commitments

19        Develop a Strong Guiding Statement and Integrity Plan

 

Chapter 3        Designing Your Job Search, Writing Your Cover Letter, and Selling Yourself through Your Resume: Selling Yourself

 

20        Focus on Your Job Search Plan    

21        Leave No Stone Unturned

22        Know Your Employer’s Expectations

23        Use Effective Keywords to Showcase Your Talents and Experiences

24        Sell Yourself with Confidence

25        Write a Powerful and Concise Cover Letter

26        Understand the Do’s and Don’ts of Memorable Resumes

27        Build a Timely Chronological Resume

28        Construct a Skillfully Written Functional Resume

29        Construct a Telling Accomplishment Resume

30        Choose Appropriate References

31        Design and Distribute Attractive Personal Business Cards

32        Give Serious Attention to Job Application Guidelines and Details

 

Chapter 4        Communicating and Interviewing with Confidence and Class: The Impression of a Lifetime

 

33        Understand the Importance of Human Communication 

34        Make a Powerful, Positive, and Lasting First Impression

35        Hone Your Interpersonal Communication Skills

36        Observe and Improve Your Body Language (Nonverbal Communication)

37        Speak with Authority and Clarity

38        Be Prepared for the Interview

39        Anticipate Interviewer’s Questions

40        Ask Informed Questions

41        Manage Inappropriate or Illegal Questions Effectively

42        Consider the Interviewer’s Evaluation

43        Accept Rejection with Class and Grace

44        Win, Lose, or Draw, Always Say "Thank You" in Writing

Chapter 5        Perfecting Your Professional Image and Distinguishing Yourself On the Job: The Importance of a Polished You

 

45        Dress to Impress

46        Mind Your Manners

47        Dine with Class

48        Watch What You Say

49        Appreciate and Respect Differences

50        Make the Supervisor Look Good

51        Learn As Much As You Can

52        Speak Up With Good Ideas

53        Play Well With Others

54        Express Yourself Tactfully

55        Grow from Positive and Negative Feedback

56        Always be Customer Oriented

 

Chapter 6        Avoiding Work Place Land Mines: Making the First Few Months Really Count

 

57        Get a Handle on Your Time and Priorities

58        Don’t Be A Part of the Water Cooler Gossip Circle           

59        Never Speak Negatively About Your Boss or Former Employer

60        Be Aware of Workplace Politics

61        Avoid Backstabbing and Trampling on Others

62        Use Good Judgment in Workplace Romances

63        Don’t Party at the Company Party

64        Put a Stop to Sexual Harassment

65        Don’t Allow Substance Abuse to Ruin Your Career

 

Chapter 7        Leading With Passion, Power, and Promise: Finding the Leader in You

 

66        Embrace Outstanding Leadership Qualities

67        Understand the Categories of Leadership Power

68        Lead with Vision

69        Think Before You Act

70        Make Good Decisions Using Creativity and Logic

71        Know How to Participate In and Lead Effective Meetings

72        Learn How to Delegate Effectively

73        Lead with Respect Instead of Control

74        Learn to Manage Conflicts Early and Effectively

75        Understand, Relate to, and Lead Difficult People

76        Build a Professional Network

 

Chapter 8        Taking Care of Business: Manage Your Personal Finances Wisely

 

77        Develop the Discipline to Save and Invest Right Now

78        Understand the Financial Lingo

79        Identify, Understand, and Reduce Your Personal “Latte Factor ®”

80        Avoid Credit Card Debt

81        Run From Auto Title Loans, Payday Loans, and Check-Cashing Centers

82        Know What Affects Your Credit Score

83        Repay Your Student Loans on Time

84        Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

85        Research Your Options When Buying a Car

86        Understand Tax Laws

87        Take Time to Plan a Budget and Stick to It

88        Plan Today for Tomorrow’s Retirement (Really! It’s Never Too Early!)

 

Chapter 9        Enriching Your Personal Life: Maximizing Your Potential in All Aspects of Your Life

 

89        Love and Value Yourself

90        Seek Meaning and Purpose in Your Personal and Professional Life

91        Employ a Variety of Stress and Time Management Techniques

92        Incorporate Joy Breaks into Your Life

93        Find Balance Between Work and Home

94        Take Care of Your Soul and Spiritual Development

95        Enjoy Friends and Family

 

Chapter 10       Surviving and Thriving in Your Career for the Long Term: Thinking About Your Future, Thinking About Your Life

 

96        Take Responsibility for Staying Current and Continual Learning

97        Involve Yourself in the Community

98        Join and Participate in Professional Organizations

99        Earn Professional Certificates and Licenses

100      Be Willing to Move

101      Learning About the Global Community

 

“My students would love this book–it is cutting edge without being too young, and gives the information in a way that is unlike a lot of textbooks.  I always had to take a little from this, a little from that–but this text puts it all together in a way that will reach and teach students exactly what they need to know.  Best I have seen-gives real world examples.”  Kate Sawyer, Lincoln Educational Services

 

“The coverage is complete.  Not only does the book provide pages of useful information, but it provides many charts and tables with actual practical information for the student to use the rest of their lives.  It definitely does not follow suit with other texts that attempt to throw useless information at students.  Even more, I found the text to be enjoyable and a pleasure to read.”  Eric Wormsley, PIMA Medical Institute

 

“Solving the Professional Development Puzzle has much better coverage of understanding ‘who’ one is and how to ‘package’ oneself than any other text I’ve seen by the most prominent publishers.”  Deborah Iturralde, Virginia College

Robert M. Sherfield, Ph.D.

Robert Sherfield has been teaching public speaking, theatre, and student success and working with first-year orientation programs for over 25 years. Currently, he is a professor at the College of Southern Nevada, teaching student success, technical writing, public speaking, and drama. He is also an adjunct faculty member at The University of Nevada — Las Vegas in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration where he teaches classes in professional development.

An award-winning educator, Robb was named Educator of the Year at the College of Southern Nevada. He twice received the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award from the University of South Carolina Union, and has received numerous other awards and nominations for outstanding classroom instruction and advisement.

Robb’s extensive work with student success programs includes experience with the design and implementation of these programs–including one program that was presented at the International Conference on the First-Year Experience in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.  He has conducted faculty development keynotes and workshops at over 250 institutions of higher education across America.  He has spoken in 42 states and several foreign countries.

In addition to his co authorship of Solving the Professional Development Puzzle, he has authored or co authored Cornerstone: Discovering Your Potential, Learning Actively, and Living Well, he has also co-authored Roadways to Success (Prentice Hall, 2001), the trade book 365 Things I Learned in College (Allyn & Bacon, 1996), Capstone: Succeeding Beyond College (Prentice Hall, 2001), Case Studies for the First Year: An Odyssey into Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Prentice Hall, 2004), The Everything®Self-Esteem Book (Adams Media, 2004), and Cornerstone:  Building On Your Best for Career Success (Prentice Hall, 2006).

Robb’s interest in student success began with his own first year in college. Low SAT scores and a low high school ranking denied him entrance into college. With the help of a success program, Robb was granted entrance into college, and went on to earn five college degrees, including a doctorate.  He has always been interested in the social, academic, and cultural development of students, and sees this book as his way to contribute to the positive development of first-year students across the nation.

Visit www.robertsherfield.com.

 

Patricia G. Moody, Ph.D.

Patricia G. Moody is Dean Emeritus of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, where she served on the faculty and in administration for over 30 years. An award-winning educator, Pat was honored as Distinguished Educator of the Year at her college and as Collegiate Teacher of the Year by the National Business Education Association.  She was also a top-five finalist for the Amoco Teaching Award at the University of South Carolina. She received the prestigious John Robert Gregg Award, the highest honor in her field of over 100,000 educators.

A nationally known motivational speaker, consultant, and author, Pat has spoken in almost every state, has been invited to speak in several foreign countries, and frequently keynotes national and regional conventions. She has presented her signature, motivational keynote address, “Fly Like an Eagle” to tens of thousands of people, from Olympic athletes to corporate executives to high school students.

An avid sports fan, she follows Gamecock athletics and chaired the University of South Carolina Athletics Advisory Committee. As the Dean of her college, Dr. Moody led international trips to build relationships and establish joint research projects in hospitality.

Pat now travels the country delivering workshops, keynotes, and presentations on topics such as change, empowering human potential, personal growth, diversity, and working in the new global community.

 

Written in an engaging, common-sense style, Solving the Professional Development Puzzle provides real-life, cutting edge information vital to students competing in a difficult, challenging, and competitive job market.  This text covers topics such as developing an effective, error-free resume and cover letter to interviewing with class and grace, providing examples, activities, suggestions, and concrete strategies to perfect a job search.

 

Each chapter of the book has been designed to assist students in learning specific material while exploring their potential, forming their value systems and character development, learning job search skills, mastering etiquette and manners, developing networking skills, honing leadership abilities, acquiring good investment and financial practices, and enriching their personal lives.

 

The coverage of ethics and character development is second to none in this market.

 

Features include:

  • “Why” Questions identify some of the main questions students will address as they work through each chapter objective.
  • Solutions offer 101 solutions, each one a piece of the Professional Development Puzzle, to the workplace issues presented in each chapter.
  • If You Were in Charge exposes students to workplace situations typical of what leaders frequently face and provides students opportunities to explore their decision-making abilities in the safety of the classroom.
  • Biggest Interview Blunders help students to avoid common interview blunders and thereby find and secure highly desirable positions.
  • Positive Habits at Work instill positive work habits to help students succeed in their chosen careers.

Visit the Student Success Supersite (www.prenhall.com/success), where students and faculty can find an array of resources.

View a Sample Chapter PDF: /samplechapter/0135003652.pdf

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