T. Jason Smith has a great deal to share with new graduates in his book, Leaving College and Going to Work. Smith, who holds a Master's in Human Resources, a Bachelor's Degree in Corporate Finance, and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the Society of Human Reources Management, directly addresses a variety of issues for the newly employed (or those seeking "real world" employment for the first time), including:

• the relationship between education and the real world
  
• managing personal development
  
• understdanding corporate culture
  
• dating co-workers and other unwritten rules and
  
• balancing work/life.

As an educational consultant, I found this book to be a fairly accurate and balanced representation of what new graduates can expect in the "real world" after college. Smith provides a great deal of advice in a non-academic manner that most students will truly find useful as they strive to find work, survive in the "real world" and grow in their personal and professional lives. This book can really help ease the frustrations and doubts many graduates have during that first transitional year after college.

If you're seeking helpful information and advice on transitioning to the real world, pick up a copy of Smith's book from your local bookstore or online bookseller.

T. Jason Smith (2006). Leaving College and Going to Work. Aspen Mountain Publishing: Sugar Hill, GA. ($18.95 US)

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.