Customer Reviews

High-Tech Careers for Low-Tech People

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I read the book, "High-Tech Careers For Low-Tech People," and I was also fortunate enough to meet Mr. William Schaffer at a seminar he did at the Career Action Center in Cupertino, California. I was really in a bind because I was a victim of the BofA/NationsBank merger and I was on the street looking for a job. It's really amazing. I've been a resident in Silicon Valley for over 25 years and I never thought of looking for employment with the high-tech companies because I didn't have a technical background. Mr. Schaffer's book changed all of that. It showed me how I could take my 13 years of banking industry experience and convert it into the high-tech field. This book is an excellent roadmap because it takes the mystery out of high-tech and indentifies the low-tech career paths that are available. THANK YOU Mr. Schaffer for changing my life and opening my eyes to the remarkable careers available in high-tech for low-tech people like myself. In less than three weeks after reading your book and attending your seminar, I had two high-tech companies fighting over me. Now I don't have to fear unemployment ever again because you have given me the tools to ensure my future.

High-Tech Careers for Low-Tech People gave me the encouragement and insight I needed to pursue a career in this industry. What Bill writes is true! My background is theology, but thanks to the process Bill describes in this book, I have a great job in a firm that sells enterprise-wide software solutions.

I read "High Tech Jobs for Low Tech People" near the start of my job search. I want to change industries, and there is a lot of growth in High Tech near me. I was somewhat frustrated by the use of on-line job searches, where you send in a resume electronically and get an electronic response. Job fairs seemed even worse, because although I had been a vice president of operations in a healthcare company, the recruiters felt I had no skills they could use. Mr. Schaffer's book convinced me that I was getting a typical response to these approaches, and reinvigorated my search. By the time I completed his book, I had two informational interviews with target companies, and a plan to try temping to get in the door. I have a much better idea of what I can expect, and how to hopefully convince people to give me a try. The resume examples were helpful, reinforcing how to highlight skills rather than inappropriate job history. I think any low tech person would benefit from this book, as well as new college graduates.

I went to a seminar taught by Bill in April, and bought his book on the spot.

It is informative even to a person with no computer background, I was a bio major in college!!!

Now I am in software, as a Assistant Product Manager and really exceling, it is true what Bill says, it is the mindset and savvy that will carry you, the technical stuff you can and will learn along the way

I was able to apply the principles in his text in giving advice to ppl on how to get their own tech jobs (advising them to buy the book)

his book is fun to read, inspring, and chalk full on insider stuff it would take yeeeeeeeeeeeears to figure out on your own, frankly, it is one of the best investments you could ever make

A good book to include in your job search library. It will build your confidence in approaching high technology companies. You will see how to translate your low-tech but important skills into good positions in the contemporary job market.

Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D., author of "The Accelerated Job Search" docwifford@msn.com

The author's key premise is sound--high tech companies have lots of positions that low tech liberal arts types can fill. The key is how to break in and how to learn the jargon. This book is nuts and bolts, not an elegant read, but quite useful as a "how to" guide. This is for the person who doesn't mind "working up" into a position from the bottom. It's a good guide. Too many folks feel "stuck" in low paying "non-tech" jobs. This need not happen. This book has some good guideposts out.

This first-rate career guide answers the question "can a person without engineering, computer programming, WEB-design, or other "high-tech" skills or education obtain and enjoy a successful career in high tech.?" I highly recommend it to anyone currently (or planning to be) involved in a job search, career transition, or education process leading to a career, whether or not your interest is in high-tech.

The book is humorous, factual, and rich in actual interviews with dozens of persons from all fields that have made the successful transition, and there is a great chapter which outlines (in just about the right amount of detail) some of the more common career positions available in most high-tech firms. It also offers one of the best sections I have ever read on how to survive a corporate reorganization and keep your skills (and job) viable in a fast moving employment environment. Also of critical importance to would-be high-tech workers is a chapter on the high-tech culture. I reviewed this section with a friend who has been in high-tech for almost 15 years, and he feels that this chapter reflected the essential elements of high-tech culture perfectly....

This book is fairly tactical, and Bill Schaffer assumes that the reader has already gone through some process of considering their goals and/or basic career strategy to move into high-tech. However, his tactics for obtaining and enjoying a successful career in high-tech illustrate an insightful parallel message that EVERYONE in the work force needs to consider: that the economic engine of the US is rapidly changing, and that change is being ushered in by high-tech firms. This is a strategic reality that is here to stay, and whatever direction your career is currently taking you, you should at least be aware of this reality and how it might impact your job in the future.

A great career book by a solid career-counseling professional and genuine member of the high-tech workforce!

For us "low-techies", this is probably the best book out there to help cross the digital divide and begin a great career in high tech. Not only does Bill detail, in normal language, the industry and how to crack it, but also how to build your career once you're in. Everyone considering the leap into high tech should read this book!

> I began to get unnerved about leaving the teaching profession and going into the High Tech industry. Your book gave me more insight to the environment I desire to become a part of for my future. Understanding who I am, personality wise, I have learned that the environment in Sun Microsystem seems to match the way I thrive on working. I have an eager desire to learn and to grow in my profession, but in the places I have worked it has been an intimidation because I aggressively have made relationships in my workplace to make this happen. Although I have made wonderful relationships with co-workers, I have been bored and feel like I am missing something, teaching elementary education. > This book has given me great ideas and encouragement to pursue this next adventure with realistic scenarious and optimism. > Thank you very much, and I hope some day I will have the chance to meet you and/or work with you at Sun Microsystems. > > Partners in learning, > > Cynthia

Nothing even comes close to being as informative about the high-tech industry as this book. I've never read a more motivating, inspiring, or influential book in my life! I am a 21-year old college senior and this book has bridged the gap between all I have learned and how I can use it to become successful in high-tech. Nowhere else can you find such detailed descriptions of different jobs, what it takes to get them, and how current 'low-tech' employees are getting along with them. Mr. Schaffer has an 'inside-track' on this industry and this book shares every drip of advice that he and the hundreds interviewed for it have to give. He even includes an easy-to-understand overview of the technical aspects of and terms used in the industry. I'm a psychology major and I'm ready to introduce myself to the world of high-tech without any hesitation because of this book. IF YOU HAVE REACHED THIS PAGE AND ARE READING THIS, THERE IS NOW OFFICIALLY NO REASON WHATSOEVER FOR YOU NOT TO BUY THIS BOOK!