@ the Entry Level: On Survival, Success, & Your Calling as a Young Professional [Paperback]

Michael Ball (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 2003

@ THE ENTRY LEVEL is an intelligent, hard-hitting look at the dirty little secrets Corporate America hides from its newest recruits, exposing the system and empowering young professionals to survive and succeed at the workplace. Further challenging newbies to come to terms with their values and priorities, the book guides them straight to their passions and up to their dreams.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"@ THE ENTRY LEVEL is useful and relevant and should be a graduation present for anyone starting their first job!" -- Julie Jansen, author of I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT, BUT I KNOW IT'S NOT THIS

"It's lonely at the bottom. So forget the slick recruiters, ignore your anxious parents -- and read this book instead." -- Daniel H. Pink, author of FREE AGENT NATION

"Superbly presented survival guide specifically for business students and recent graduates...a strongly recommended supplementary resource..." -- Midwest Book Review, Reviewer's Choice Selection, April 2003

"This blend of how-to and memoir is a good example of edutainment...offers candid advice to twentysomething entry-level workers." -- Library Journal

"This blend of how-to and memoir is a good example of edutainment...offers candid advice to twentysomething entry-level workers." -- Library Journal

It's lonely at the bottom. So forget the slick recruiters, ignore your anxious parents -- and read this book instead. -- Daniel H. Pink, author of FREE AGENT NATION

About the Author

Michael Ball is the founder and CEO of Career Freshman Company, an organization dedicated to helping young professionals discover success, passion, and fulfillment in their work. A disillusioned Big Five (now Four) consulting veteran and Silicon Valley startup survivor, he’s found his own calling as an author, speaker, and career coach to college students and corporate grunts. He lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Pure Play Press; 1 edition (February 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972156607
• ISBN-13: 978-0972156608
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,349,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Ball is the founder and CEO of Career Freshman Co., the entry level training authority to the Fortune 1000. A former Big Four consultant and Silicon Valley dot-comer, Ball saw too many smart college recruits doing dumb things--besides their jobs--and devoted his own career to making gruntwork hurt less. Michael holds a degree in psychology and business from UCLA, and lives in Los Angeles. He's also widely regarded as an above-average dancer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr Ball's book really got me rolling, May 14, 2003

By 

"smilin_iis" (Temecula, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: @ the Entry Level: On Survival, Success, & Your Calling as a Young Professional (Paperback)

I've been in the workforce for almost twenty years, and am only now going back to college, but I felt like this book was written just for me. It talks about direction, and uses words we don't see enough of - like Passion, and Value. After working in customer service for so long, every word he said rang true. It is obvious he has studied many succesful people (from the quotes and anecdotes he sprinkles throughout the book) and is trying to pass on what he has learned from them while emphasizing that most important third dimension of work - satisfaction. (The first and second being Money and a Benefit Package *wink*)

While the theme is a serious one, the book is a great read. Michael's style makes you feel like he's right there in the room telling his jokes in person. The intimacy really worked for me. I'm glad I picked this up - I might even change my major!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, May 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: @ the Entry Level: On Survival, Success, & Your Calling as a Young Professional (Paperback)

This book is a must read! It answers all the questions you were afraid to ask and those you never knew to ask. The author shares may of his own experiences with colorful detail and insight. I would recommend this book to any recent graduate heading out into the corporate world.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one, finally., November 2, 2004

By 

Jeff M. (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: @ the Entry Level: On Survival, Success, & Your Calling as a Young Professional (Paperback)

For the record, this is my very first Amazon review because I finally found a book that is worthy of a 5 star review. After reading several post-college graduate books, @ the Entry Level finally stops beating around the bush and tells you how it really is and how to succeed after college in the jungle known as 'the real world.' Anyone in my position (fresh out of college, has a job, has no idea how the real world works) should pick up this book immediately. Michael Ball relates to our position and generation very accurately and convincingly as well. Teaches you the politics of business and how to sell yourself for future promotions and growth. Much more than a post-college book, I recommend it for anyone trying to get a competitive edge and understanding for themselves in the workplace.