Graduate Careers Australiaergo - Number 97 Dec 2004 - Feb 2005Book Review: The Wrightbooks Careers Series
Title: The Wrightbooks Careers Series The Wrightbooks Careers Series is a new range of careers titles which was introduced to the Australian market in 2004. Written by expert authors working in the relevant industry, there are currently editions for Nursing, Journalism, Human Resources, Banking and Financial Services, Performing Arts, Marketing, Teaching and Fashion. The books are generally around 200 pages long, and cover a wide range of topics which serve to give a detailed overview of the particular industry. The readership for these titles could include secondary students and their parents who are involved in longer term career planning, tertiary students wanting an idea of what life will be like in their chosen industry as well as what their alternative options might be, and those who are considering a change of career further on in life. The format of the books typically follows a pattern, first giving a “snapshot” of the industry and the requisite skills and training needed to enter it, then in later chapters progressing to other areas which are more specific to that particular industry. For example, the publication might cover broadly differing roles or fields within an overall industry, as well as detailing both specialist and entry-level career options. Employment outcomes and typical salaries are also covered. Each of these titles also includes some more general, but industry-related job-seeking advice such as interview tips and advice from employers, as well as interviews with and profiles of people who are working in the field in a wide variety of roles. Finally each title provides a comprehensive list of online and print resources for the interested reader to conduct further research, including websites and professional associations. These books were apparently written to address a perceived shortage of credible print publications which provide a broad range of industry-based information for current and future job-seekers, and they certainly achieve this. The layout is clear and the text tightly-written and engaging, and while the style differs according to the author of each title, all certainly seem to cover a lot of ground. The use of inset text boxes to highlight the most important facets of various work roles, as well as the inclusion of glossaries explaining important terms and concepts used widely in the industry, I found particularly useful. More information about the Wrightbooks Careers Series can be found at www.johnwiley.com.au or by contacting Carol Warwick on [email protected]
Reviewed by Dugald McNaughtan, |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||