Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

Michael Ball's @the entry level is a compelling, substantive and witty guide for twenty something young professionals on surviving and succeeding in the gritty world of work. Written as an autobiography - narrative - how to guide, Ball's prose is frank and captivating. I have never read another book like this one for professionals just out of college or grad school. It's useful and relevant and should be a graduation present for anyone starting his or her first job!

Wow. @ The Entry Level stands out from anything I have read before, it is a really courageous book and I wish it had been around before I started work. It has helped to put the ups and downs of starting life in the real world in perspective. Finally, advice from someone who knows what they are talking about! He has certainly got it figured out.

This was by far one of the most important books that I've read. I have been in the legal industry for many years, and each year, our employee satisfaction has been decreasing. Many of things the author talks about are the same complaints that I have been hearing for years. It is comforting to know that there are other industries/people who have the same feelings that I have been hearing.
I recommend this book for anyone who is currently in corporate America and is feeling despondent about their career, or for anyone who is about to enter the workforce, this is an enlightening book that should not be missed.
Anyone who hasn't read this book is definitely missing on and hindering their careers.

This book is so unique in that the author takes a head-on view of the corporate world--he doesn't sugarcoat the reality of being in the trenches day-in and day-out.

But time and again, he draws you back to the fact that you have to use your first couple of jobs to find your calling--to discover that work you're passionate about doing. Plus he shows you step-by-step how to go about doing that. So it's not negativity so much as it's reality and common sense. And it's written with such depth and humor...

I (and all of my associates) strongly recommend this immensely enjoyable and exceedingly useful book!

Anyone who's in (or just about to enter) Corporate America and hasn't read this book is at a serious disadvantage! Not only does it show you how to work more effectively with managers and seniors, but it even talks about promotions and career paths, early decision-making, work - life balance, and how to build a personal "brand."

Plus it really gets you to think about the deeper meaning of your career: where it's all leading, how money fits into the equation, and what you're going to want to look back on your life and see. The author obviously cares about his readers, and that makes it even more worthwhile. Truly an informative, provoking (and controversial) book!

I was actually a bit disappointed in this book because I expected more advice on how to deal with the survival and achieve success rather than how to find a true calling. I do think I have found that true calling already thus this part was not interesting for me. I was fresh out of grad school when I got this book and despite having some work experience I did not think I had come even close to starting to figure out office politics etc. This book has not offered me many new insights and I still feel I am at the starting point re: survival and success. If anyone has good tips on books that might be more helpful, please let me know.

Anyone who's in (or just about to enter) Corporate America and hasn't read this book is at a serious disadvantage! Not only does it show you how to work more effectively with managers and seniors, but it even talks about promotions and career paths, early decision-making, work - life balance, and how to build a personal "brand."

Plus it really gets you to think about the deeper meaning of your career: where it's all leading, how money fits into the equation, and what you're going to want to look back on your life and see. The author obviously cares about his readers, and that makes it even more worthwhile. Truly an informative, provoking (and controversial) book!