Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success

by: Penelope Trunk

Published by: Warner Business Books

Reviewed by Sarah van Ingen

If you're a part of generation X or Y, chances are you feel out of step with the current workplace. That's because, as Penelope Trunk explains in Brazen Careerist, you belong to a generation that will radically change the workplace. Gone are the days when workers will put their noses to the grindstone for thirty years out of loyalty to The Company. These are the days when men and women alike are committed to finding fulfilling work and to balancing that with their personal lives.

Is that even possible? Trunk replies with a resounding yes and has written a roadmap to show the way. This is not your mother's (or your fathers, for that matter) career advice. Trunk has a fresh outlook on what it will take for Generations X and Y to find happiness in their careers. Her advice may seem unconventional, but Trunk speaks with wisdom born from experience. As an older member of Gen X, Trunk has achieved eye-catching success in professional beach volleyball, Fortune 500 companies, startups, mergers, and as a syndicated columnist. She's been there, done that, and is now sharing her secret for a new type of success.

What kind of advice does she give? In the first half of the book, Trunk talks about how to get on the right career path. She covers the benefits of uncertainty, resume rules not to be broken, story telling in an interview, and $1000 a minute salary negotiations. The second half of the book focuses on how to get what you want from your boss and your job. Trunk discusses how to play politics, get the best training, handle sex discrimination, dodge long hours and typecast yourself for success.

Trunk's writing is tight, energetic and enjoyable to read. After spending a couple days with the Brazen Careerist, I felt like I had been given a shot of adrenalin for my career. And who isn't in need of that? This spring, our nation's top business schools would do well to hand this book out with their diplomas.

Armchair Interviews says: This would be a great gift for a college grads just entering the workplace.

Author's Web site: http://www.PenelopeTrunk.com