A guide to help "dispel our fears about life after college." As Chronicle of Higher Education contributing editor Selingo (College (Un)bound: The Future of Higher Education and What It Means for Students, 2013) writes in the introduction, in the recent past, a college degree almost certainly guaranteed a job after graduation. But times have changed, and the author uses interviews with college-age students, employers, and academicians to explain to readers just what those changes are and how to contend with them. Although high school students might receive high grades in college-prep classes, do well on the SAT, and show a variety of extracurricular items on their applications, as well as have parents and advisers who lead them every step of the way through high school and college, this doesn't force young adults to figure out how to make independent decisions on their own. "For many twenty-somethings," writes the author, "life to this point has been like a board game, the goal to get to the end quickly while picking up as many game pieces as possible." For employers, this lack of critical-thinking skills, coupled with a deficiency in work experiences, makes many new graduates undesirable hires. Some of the solutions Selingo adeptly presents include taking a gap year between high school and college, as many students do in Europe, to travel and explore options before committing to a college program. The author also suggests paid and unpaid internships and apprenticeships that put students into the workforce while gaining an education. The takeaway from Selingo's solid research is that education is important but not to the point where life experiences are ignored. Ultimately, students must approach college and the workforce on an individual basis, as the old route just doesn't hold true for most young people in today's global economy and workforce. Levelheaded advice for students and parents on the best path to take from high school to employment.
Selingo (College Unbound) continues to explore the options and value of educational paths after high school. He draws on his background in journalism and education, as well as a commissioned survey (750 young adults) to divide "emerging adults" into three general groups: sprinters, wanderers, and stragglers. Sprinters bolt into the job market, changing jobs frequently and with confidence. Wanderers may go to graduate school, or take the first job that comes along. Stragglers drift without much plan, perhaps without a job that supports them fully. This book offers suggestions to help navigate the career path such as pursue internship opportunities, network, learn the soft skills of the workplace, and consider a bridge year before or between years in college. Parents may be reassured by the author's opinion that education is becoming more modular and students need not complete it all at once. Many employers take into consideration a candidate's curiosity and ability to learn as much as they look at GPA. VERDICT There are no bulleted lists for quick consumption, but students entering (or parents looking to launch students) into the working world may find insights into making the most of varied educational opportunities. [See Prepub Alert, 10/12/15.]-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
The headline-making issue of college's high cost and uncertain payback-at least financially-gets practical treatment from education expert Selingo (College Unbound), a contributing editor for the Chronicle of Higher Education. His aim? To help students, new graduates, and their anxious parents think up a plan, asking what those freshly out of school can do to market themselves effectively. With a 50,000-copy first printing. © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.