RWC Required Books

Book Picks You Won't Want to Miss

At this point in your career you need all the free advice you can suck up. This section reviews some of the 'Best bets' around in books dealing with Paying off college debt, Graduate Business-Education, Financial advice for your 20's and 30's, Taking time off after college, Entrepreneurship and Starting out in New York on the Cheap. No, the books aren't free, just our opinions of them. But, each selection is well worth the $10-$20 out of pocket.

Marketing Yourself to the Top Business Schools

How to Work A Room

The Guerrilla Guide to Mastering Student Loan Debt

Finding Your Perfect Work

The College Cookbook

30 Great Cities to Start Out In: The Best Places to Live in your 20s and 30s

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Marketing Yourself to the Top Business Schools

by Phil and Carol Carpenter

  Co-authors of this book are actual B-school grads from Harvard's Business School. They value the investment students put in to an often grueling, extended education. A one-of-its-kind on the book shelves, the book provides a well organized, step-by-step approach to help you assure your best shot of getting in to your school of choice.
  Early chapters cover: Assessing Tuition Costs and Financial aid opportunities, Managing the Application Process, which includes: Tackling the Administrative Grunt Work, Getting transcripts in order, letters of recommendation, developing a calendar. That's just the beginning!
  Once you've started the information gathering process you'll encounter the different programs available, attend information-sessions, receive catalogs and question alumni. Now you've begun developing your personal profile so you can narrow down the schools you're targeting your application to.
  Do these four letters scare you: GMAT? The book provides tips, agencies and books recommended for taking 'the test.'
  Two lengthy sections on Essay Writing-cover everything from theme samples, to careful editing practices, to adding personality and when and who to seek help from. Sample essays demonstrate do's & don'ts. The book concludes by helping package 'the product,' or your completed application and ways to deal with the waiting game afterwards and how to analyze your choices and make your final decision. Final chapters are devoted to their listing of the Top 25 B-Schools in the U.S. along with advice from leading Admissions Counselors from these schools.

How to Work A Room

by Susan Roane

  The Schmooze Factor. Like it or not, it's an essential part of getting ahead in the professional world today. You can expect invites to many a trade show, office party, cocktail hour, or convention once you've begun your career path. There's only so many events you can 'blow off' until you realize: You lack a network of contacts to build upon in order to further Your Goals. Sure, 'working a room' is an activity that stirs up anxiety in many people, but if you view it as free, self-advertising, it can be your primary marketing strategy. This book's candid approach to this topic will truly tackle any anxiety or fears associated it.
  For starters, the author advises that we identify ROADBLOCKS which inhibit us from becoming good networkers. For example, Not Talking to Strangers or Waiting to Be Properly Introduced are adages that won't come in handy when trying to sell a product or starting a new job. Such behavior will only assure plenty of Missed Opportunities.
  A remedial chapter next teaches techniques to combat discomfort associated with getting the nerve to introduce yourself, including: practicing a self-introduction, behaving as a 'host' rather than a 'guest,' responding to rudeness. Concentrating on the 'pay-offs' is another useful tool when networking. Whether for fun, new contacts, enhancing self-confidence, drumming up new business, the author recommends that you focus and know your purpose for being there. Summing up the nerve to introduce yourself is a risk. After all, who likes to be ignored or rejected, no one! But, says the author, "The truth is, very few people will be openly hostile or rude-if for no other reason than it's bad business."
  "The Sleaze Factor," is a chapter devoted to insincere, disrespectful people and how to recognize and lose them!
  Another chapter includes a Seven-Step formula for Planning Your Presence. Adopting a positive attitude, checking your business cards, preparing small talk and your handshake are among such tips.
  The author spares no small details. She even addresses: Placement of your name-tag, great opening lines, the 'graceful exit,' etiquette and manners, and listening actively NOT passively.
  Specific TYPES of events require different do's and don'ts. The Business Cocktail Party differs from the Office Party, while the Trade Show differs from the fund-raiser.

The Guerrilla Guide to Mastering Student Loan Debt

by Anne Stockwell

  According to the author, "Since 1990, we've borrowed more than $100 billion" in college loans. Frightening?-It should be, since money doesn't grow off trees. Ms. Stockwell herself, put herself through college and is still one of more than 21 million Americans striving to pay off student loans!
  It's a 'Catch-22 cycle.' Entering college, you're probably not immediately considering your annual salary you'll command upon graduation. But, unarmed with a certain degree, how can you guarantee you'll be in a high enough income bracket to cover loan interest rates, car payments, rent, expenses that will assuredly add up to a stressful debt burden. Educate yourself: Colleges are businesses like any other. And so is the billion dollar loan industry. Don't get caught up in the "American, rah, rah, Dream.' Someone's making money off you when you sign the dotted line of a loan. Learn to negotiate the best loan deal you can.
  Early book chapters cover Government vs. Private loan programs, the guarantor's (auditor) role and regulation of the industry. College aid has an often masked good-will ring to it. The author discusses Non-profit organizations' questionable status, Mega-salaries of such agency's executives and Inside Deals.
  If you're not familiar with the following terms regarding Loan Plan Types, you MUST give this book a thorough read. Such options are plentiful, and the more choices you have and understand in full, the stronger position you're in. sections which review types of loan alternatives including: Direct Lending, Income Contingent Repayment, FFELP.

Finding Your Perfect Work

by Paul and Sarah Edwards

  Get up, work, claim pay-check, go home, sleep. Again. Get up, work, claim pay-check, go home, sleep. Again. If the former description sounds more like a life sentence than it does 'your ideal work or purpose,' this book is a Must-Read.
  It's authors are self-employment experts, speakers, columnists and a married couple! Their advice on how to 'create your ideal work,' while achieving the best quality of life, makes for a practical, inspiring and thorough guide, chapter by chapter.
  Most people aren't born into flourishing family-businesses, and you can't just 'wait for the Money-maker idea to hit. But, home-office technologies enable small/niche or home-based business services to thrive today. And, company-downsizing, and layoffs have forced a rise in temporary, independent workers. Both trends, according to the authors, beg the question, "Do you want to work for the boss, or be the boss?" Beginning chapters focus on the pros and cons of both: Working for Others: Hours are fixed, financial gain is fixed, freedom comes later, others control the work environment, role is defined by job description, schedule is fixed, home and work are separate. Working for Yourself: Hours are flexible, freedom is now, financial gain depends on personal results, work is self-directed, you control the work environment, home and work can be integrated, schedule is determined by tasks at hand.
  So, you choose. If you want to work for yourself, what's the first step? Will it mean quitting your job, a steady salary and all that 'security?' Work Sheets throughout the book enable you to generate a clearer picture of want and how to make it a reality. You'll recognize patterns, negative and positive events and lifestyle priorities. The level of importance you place on: Spirituality, wealth, making a 'contribution,' and time for your lover -will help you reach your destination. 'Types' of work vary person to person, according to the authors. Talents, passions, mission and capitalizing on assets are each different pathways to independent success.
  And if you can't master a passion, don't fret. Often, you CAN still do what you love one way or another, earning money, by pursuing a connected-occupation:
  Love the literary world, but you can't write?--How does book publicist sound ? Horror intrigues you, but you couldn't scare a fly?--Open a horror paraphernalia shop! Follow trend-setting ideas, but can't come up with your own? --Host a radio show and interview such leading-edge thinkers!
  Final chapters teach you "The Means" to "Get Connected" and "Package your Desires with Opportunity." There's also an alphabetical director of self-employment careers and the personal styles affiliated with each. My personal favorites: Drama Coach, Animal Show Judge, Antique Dealer/Restorer, Corporate Art Consultant, Artist/Home Portraits, Billing & Invoicing Service, Bridal Consulting, Budget Analyst, Career Counseling, Computer-Debugger, Cookbook-Recipe Taster, Income-Tax Service, Executive Recruiter, Facialist, Grant Writer, Ghost Writer, Greeting Card Writer, Backpacking Adventurist, Muralist.

The College Cookbook

by Geri Harrington

  Contrary to the stereotype, American College Students today Do Not Live On Junk Food Alone! So suggests this cookbook's author, who used recipes from students coast-to-coast to prove her belief.
  Students are more 'nutritionally correct' than their parents, according to the author. They make concerted efforts to read food labels, and are conscious about what makes it in to their mouths. Before doling out the doe, students think twice when they can prepare their own meals, and turn it in to a cheaper, creative and culturally experimental hobby.
  The Introduction outlines 'Bang for the Buck' tips on grocery shopping such as buying the weekly supermarket specials, or buying 'store brand' canned goods. An itemized list of Must-Have Kitchen Equipment is also provided. "Coming to Terms" is a must-read chapter. Before you KNEAD, POACH or BRAISE, double-check the meanings! Other chapters cover cooking and measuring hints, which oils to use, and an ingredient substitution chart. There's even an Herbs and Spices Glossary, with suggestions on which dishes are best enhanced by their flavors.
  The heart of the cookbook are its recipes. From "Potato Anything Soup," to "The Whatever-You-Have-in-the-Fridge Quiche," the instructions are easy-to-follow and FUN!
  Each chapter concentrates on a different food category or meal course.
  Meat-heads and Chicken fans will enjoy "Fairly Cheap Chili, Shish Kebab Without the Kebab, Spoonburgers, Easy Chicken Curry, or Chicken Supreme in Magic Mushroom Sauce," while vegetarians may opt for "Leftover (Or Not) Baked Yams, Sue's Stuffed Mushrooms, Therese's Sister's Gourmet Green Beans, or Fried Chinese Cabbage.
  If you fancy fish, try: "Patty's Jambalaya, Tunafish Casserole, or Fish Fillets in White Wine."
  For Salads and Sides, there's "Guacamole, Potato Salad with Yogurt, Clam Spaghetti, Basic Brown Rice and Veggies, Super Quick Macaroni and Cheese."
  Ready to Dress it all up? How 'bout "Wine Marinade, Sour Cream Salad Dressing or Onion-Butter Sauce?"
  And, my favorite...Desserts! You can't go wrong with Granola Cookies, Butterscotch Brownies, Chocolate-Chip Pecan Pie or Carob Peanut Butter Goo Candy!"
  Finally, for Late Night Studying, a special section is dedicated to you. You'll stay awake for sure after "Jody's Banana Shake, Denise's Tortilla Chip Salad or Eggy Ham Toast."

30 Great Cities to Start Out In: The Best Places to Live in your 20s and 30s

by Sandra Gurvis

  Degree in hand, the world is an open door, your oyster. Where to start? Take it from this author, who's been in your shoes. She too once asked the question, "If I take this job, will I be happy with the locale?" Her book attempts to cover all aspects of living in a city, from night life to vital statistics, to recreation and of course, employment.
  For the 30 U.S. cities featured by chapter, each includes: Gender Ratio, Size and Growth, Per capita income, medical costs, cost of living, how to get around/transportation, after-hours diversions, ethnic and religious prospects, job opportunities and leading industries and crime rate.
  From Albuquerque, New Mexico to San Antonio, Texas and from Phoenix, Arizona to Seattle, Washington, young professionals will feel they 'know what's out there in advance' after this read and better prepared for the re-location and adjustment.
  Some statistical eye-openers for ME were Atlanta, Georgia's average rent for an apartment ($561/month) compared with that of Boston, Massachusetts ($1,057/month.)
  If you're a sun-goddess and not a snow-boarder, you may fare best in Orlando, Florida over Denver, Colorado. Both boast high sunshine ratios, but that's about all there is in common.
  Chicago's Bears and Bulls highlight this city's vibrant spirit. But Michael Jordan probably doesn't get caught in the nightmarish Traffic!
  Thought things were a bit s-l-o-w in Charlotte, North Carolina? It's got a higher percentage of residents ages 25-44 than New Orleans, or New York or Salt Lake City!
  Thinking about a studio apartment in San Francisco? Think about getting a roommate to share it, unless you can afford the average monthly rent of $1,162.00. But, you can cut that in about half if you consider Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ($528.00/month)
  After living in a closed-in, academic environment for 4 years, packing it up and heading ANYWHERE is a bit scary. The book identifies the essential elements of a city, and therefore it gets a bit easier. If you know the SPORTING LIFE, the BAR SCENE, the MUSEUMS, WHERE TO SHOP, the 'unknowns' of your destination start to take shape.

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