Blog Archives
Build Your Cloud Career: A Professional’s Guide to Cloud Engineering
Build Your Cloud Career lays out a clear path into cloud engineering. It starts with simple explanations of what the cloud is, then moves into the major providers, the different engineering roles, and the skills needed to build a career in the field. It mixes technical basics with career advice. The writing stays grounded in real situations and aims to give beginners confidence as they enter a fast-growing and sometimes intimidating area of tech.
Reading it felt smooth and surprisingly friendly. I enjoyed how the author kept things practical without stuffing the pages with jargon. The explanations made complicated ideas feel lighter. Sometimes I caught myself nodding along because the examples matched real workplace moments. I also liked the honest tone around certifications and career paths. It never tried to oversell or hype anything. It just told you what works and why.
A few concepts flew by fast, and I found myself wanting more stories or more hands-on guidance. Still, the author’s experience comes through in a warm way. It feels like sitting with someone who actually wants you to succeed. That personal touch gave the book more heart than I expected from a tech guide.
The chapter Cloud Engineering Roles in Depth was particularly relevant to me. It helped me see how each cloud role fits into real projects and why those differences matter. It gave me clarity on which responsibilities align with my strengths and interests, especially when comparing paths like DevOps, security, and architecture. It also made the career landscape feel less confusing since I could finally picture where I might fit and what skills I should focus on next.
All in all, I think this book is great for students, career switchers, and anyone curious about cloud work. If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed by AWS and Azure and all the big words floating around the internet, this book gives you a place to start. It is calm, clear, and encouraging. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to break into cloud engineering without feeling like they are drowning in technical noise.
Pages: 139
You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Write a Memoir
Stephen Mark Silvers’ You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Write a Memoir is a warm and winding recollection of a life well-lived, stitched together from stories of family, travels, and career adventures. Silvers walks the reader through decades, from childhood in post-war America, through California’s cultural tides of the ’60s, to nearly four decades in Brazil, and finally back to the US in later years. The book blends humor, tenderness, and thoughtful digressions, all while painting portraits of the people who shaped him most.
Reading this memoir felt like sitting with a friend who is telling stories over coffee. Silvers’ writing is friendly and light, with just enough wit to keep you smiling without drowning the moments that deserve quiet. I enjoyed how he weaves in little asides like historical facts, pop culture nods, and odd statistics that give the sense of wandering through his mind. The structure is loose in a way that mirrors real memory. It’s not a linear march but a series of moments that ripple outward.
Some of my favorite parts were the glimpses into Brazil, like how he learned Portuguese, met his wife Neusa, and built a teaching career there. There’s a lot of love in those pages. The humor is understated, which I liked, though now and then a joke would sneak in that made me laugh. It’s the kind of humor that comes from knowing your own quirks and not taking yourself too seriously.
This book is for people who like gentle, meandering stories, who appreciate the small turns in life and the way memory makes meaning out of them. If you’ve ever thought your life was too ‘ordinary’ to write down, this memoir will nudge you to think otherwise. I’d hand it to anyone who enjoys memoirs that feel like conversations, or who simply likes a good, unhurried story told by someone with a big heart.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0FG9T83QB
Real-World Stories
Strategic Opportunities for Bridging the University-Employer Divide explores how universities and employers can collaboratively transform graduate employability. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Having worked as a graduate recruiter in industry and as an academic researcher focused on employability and sustainable careers, I have seen firsthand the challenges universities and employers face. While recruiting for an investment bank, I noticed how stretched university career services were, often struggling with limited resources to support thousands of students. At the same time, the high turnover of graduate recruiters made it difficult for universities to build lasting relationships with employer contacts. On top of this, competition between companies for talent and between universities for league table rankings often inhibits meaningful collaboration. Quite simply, despite playing a critical role in shaping students’ futures, career advisors and graduate recruiters frequently operate in isolation. Yet, the need for collaboration has never been more urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the demand for career and mental health support, while employers struggle to attract and retain early career talent in an increasingly competitive job market. In response, I wrote this book to bridge the university-employer divide and provide pragmatic guidance for stronger partnerships. A key feature of the book is its Lived Experience Insights, which share real-world stories from career advisors, academics, and recruiters worldwide. These accounts capture the challenges professionals have faced, the actions taken, and the lessons learned. By bringing theoretical perspectives to life through these insights, my goal was to inspire real change and help create a career ecosystem that empowers students to navigate uncertainty and build fulfilling, sustainable careers.
How can universities practically begin to build students’ “social and psychological capitals” within existing resource constraints?
That is a great question, especially given the growing demand for career and well-being support from students, with universities often lacking the resources to provide one-on-one guidance. One of the most effective ways to address this challenge is by tapping into the power of peer mentoring. While not a replacement for professional career or well-being services, peer mentors can provide an accessible first point of contact, helping students navigate challenges and directing them to additional support when needed. Embedding employability and well-being into the curriculum is another powerful approach. When career advisors and academics work together, they can integrate career development and resilience- building activities into classroom teaching and assignments, reaching students at scale in a way that individual appointments never could. Imagine a student expressing interest in a specific industry but feeling lost because they do not know anyone in that field. A peer mentor or classmate might respond, “I know someone who works in that industry. Would you like an introduction?” At that moment, students are not just expanding their networks; they are also strengthening their confidence and sense of belonging. These informal connections can be transformative, particularly for those who might not have industry contacts through family or personal networks. Building social capital in this way naturally fosters psychological capital. When students face challenges, knowing they are not alone makes a huge difference. Hearing real stories from peers, career advisors, or lecturers about others who have overcome similar obstacles can be incredibly reassuring. These shared experiences help students develop resilience, giving them the confidence to navigate setbacks. University career services and lecturers can further amplify this by leveraging their industry connections. By facilitating networking opportunities and offering guidance on handling rejection and career uncertainties, these industry contacts can help students develop the mindset and relationships needed to thrive in an unpredictable job market. For anyone interested in supporting students in developing these and seven other forms of employability capital, you might like my book Developing Employability Capital in University Students: A Pragmatic Guide (Routledge, 2025; Literary Titan Silver Award Winner, March 2025).
What do you see as the biggest misconception employers have about recent graduates entering the workforce?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is solely the university’s responsibility to produce work-ready graduates. While universities equip students with valuable resources to enhance employability, their primary role is to teach students how to learn, adapt, and think critically rather than to replace the need for on-the-job training and ongoing personal development. Related to this, another oversight by employers is underestimating the breadth of experience graduates bring. Employers often focus on internships and paid work, but many students gain valuable forms of employability capital through volunteer roles, leadership in university societies, and project-based coursework. The experience is there, but recent graduates may need guidance in articulating how their skills transfer to the workplace. This is where stronger university-employer partnerships can make a real difference. If employers want work-ready graduates but feel they are not finding them, developing structured talent pipelines, such as industry-led projects, mentoring programs, and paid work experience opportunities, can help bridge the gap. These experiences strengthen students’ social and psychological capital, as well as their cultural and market-value capital, making them more confident and workplace-ready from day one.
In your opinion, what first step should a university take today to begin bridging the divide you so thoroughly outline?
Universities need to shift from a mindset of competition to one of collaboration. Instead of fixating on league table rankings, institutions should look for opportunities to work together, such as by sharing employer connections, best practices, and resources. No single university can tackle the employability challenge alone, but by recognizing the interconnected and interdependent nature of universities, employers, and students, they can create a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable career ecosystem. This kind of collaboration benefits everyone. Graduates gain access to a wider network of opportunities, employers engage with a more diverse talent pool, and universities enhance their ability to support students at scale. By taking the first step toward partnership rather than competition, universities can drive long-term change in how graduates transition into the workforce.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | IGI Global | Amazon
Developing Employability Capital in University Students: A Practical Guide
William E. Donald’s Developing Employability Capital in University Students is a deep dive into what it really takes for students to navigate an increasingly unpredictable job market. The book presents the Employability Capital Growth Model (ECGM), a structured approach to helping students develop the resources they need to build sustainable careers. The model focuses on nine forms of employability capital, ranging from social and cultural capital to market-value and career identity capital all framed within a broader “sustainable career ecosystem.” With its mix of theory, case studies, and step-by-step guidance, this book is a practical toolkit for career development professionals, educators, and students alike.
One thing I appreciated about this book was how it didn’t just focus on hard skills or resume-building tips. Instead, Donald zooms out to show the big picture. He doesn’t just ask, “What do students need to get hired?” He asks, “What do they need to thrive in their careers long-term?” The nine forms of employability capital make a lot of sense, and they aren’t just about networking or internships. The chapter on “Psychological Capital” highlights the importance of resilience and confidence, things that aren’t always emphasized in career prep but can make or break a job search. The ECGM isn’t just a theoretical framework; it’s a holistic approach that acknowledges students’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, and challenges.
That being said, some sections of the book felt a bit dense, especially when diving into the theoretical foundations. The early chapters, particularly those on sustainable career ecosystems, provide a strong academic grounding, but they might be tough for readers who just want the actionable takeaways. The book shines brightest in Part III, where it lays out real-world applications. The ten-step guide in Chapter 9, which walks career counselors and educators through using the ECGM with students, is incredibly practical. It’s the kind of resource that could be easily implemented in workshops or career coaching sessions, making the model accessible beyond just academia.
The most valuable part of this book, in my opinion, is its real-world relevance. Donald includes insights from 26 career development professionals and academics from 16 countries, showing how different institutions and individuals are already applying these ideas. One standout example is how the ECGM has been used in both one-on-one coaching and large university programs. This kind of global perspective gives the book credibility; it’s not just one person’s theory but a framework being tested and refined in various settings.
Developing Employability Capital in University Students: A Practical Guide is best suited for career development professionals, university faculty, and students who want a deeper understanding of how to strategically build their employability. If you’re serious about understanding what makes graduates truly career-ready and how institutions can support them, this book is a must-read. Donald has put together a resource that is both timely and necessary, especially in today’s uncertain job market.
ASIN : B0DVVH4Z28
The Freelancer’s Compass: How to Navigate Your Way from Corporate Cog to Solopreneur Star
The Freelancer’s Compass serves as a comprehensive guide for both aspiring and experienced freelancers navigating the complexities of self-employment. Drawing from over 25 years of freelancing expertise, Rodika Tollefson offers actionable strategies for transitioning out of corporate careers and building successful freelance businesses. From marketing and project management to cybersecurity and financial planning, the book provides practical solutions for managing critical business operations. Real-world success stories from freelancers further enrich the content, delivering valuable insights into overcoming industry challenges and adapting to a dynamic market. Readers gain a clear, step-by-step roadmap for launching, managing, and scaling their freelance businesses sustainably.
The book’s structure is meticulously organized, with each section addressing a key facet of freelancing. Tollefson’s expertise shines through as she demystifies essential processes like client onboarding, financial tracking, and legal compliance. Notably, her focus on cybersecurity and data management feels timely and relevant, particularly in today’s remote work landscape. Case studies and freelancer profiles add further dimension, offering real-world examples that bring theoretical concepts to life. Readers can easily follow the logical flow, progressing from foundational principles to advanced business strategies without feeling overwhelmed.
Tollefson leaves no stone unturned in addressing the entrepreneurial and operational realities of freelancing. Her thorough guidance covers setting up business systems, managing clients, and handling administrative tasks with clarity and precision. By weaving in freelancer profiles and personal anecdotes, she creates a richer, more contextualized learning experience. These stories provide varied perspectives and actionable lessons that resonate with freelancers at all stages of their journey. Challenges like marketing, financial planning, and project management are tackled head-on, giving readers an honest, unvarnished view of freelancing’s demands while equipping them with tools for success. The content feels empowering but grounded, ensuring readers understand both the rewards and challenges of freelancing. Tollefson’s ability to educate while maintaining an engaging narrative ensures readers remain invested from start to finish.
For professionals transitioning from corporate careers, new freelancers seeking direction, or seasoned solopreneurs looking to optimize their workflow, The Freelancer’s Compass, by Rodika Tollefson, is an invaluable resource. Tollefson dismantles freelancing myths and presents a realistic picture of self-employment—one that demands hard work, strategic planning, and persistence. By blending strategic advice, real-world stories, and business insights, the book delivers a well-rounded toolkit for thriving in the freelance industry. It stands as both a motivational guide and a practical manual, empowering readers to build sustainable, fulfilling freelance careers.
Pages: 153 | ASIN : B0DFLPPCB1
What Lights You Up?: Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career
In today’s world, where social media pressures us to conform and fit into pre-defined boxes, recognizing your true self has never been more vital. What Lights You Up, by Mary Olson-Menzel, is a vibrant guide to self-discovery and career fulfillment. Written with an uplifting and engaging tone, the book draws readers in through a blend of personal anecdotes and actionable advice. Olson-Menzel’s writing style feels both warm and motivational, gently nudging readers to identify their passions and chase careers aligned with their authentic selves.
Olson-Menzel’s passion for her subject radiates from every page. Her arguments are compelling, and her ideas are meticulously thought out. From the way she presents her concepts to the strategies she suggests, her expertise on topics like soft skills and the evolving workplace landscape is evident. One standout idea is her emphasis on “ikigai,” the Japanese philosophy that marries purpose and passion. She argues convincingly that finding one’s ikigai leads to joy and fulfillment, a balance between career aspirations and the human need for purpose. Her approach feels refreshing, holistic, and distinctly modern.
The book’s structure is as thoughtful as its content. Olson-Menzel knows how tedious self-help books on career fulfillment can be, and she has taken intentional steps to keep the material engaging and practical. Her organization flows naturally, making the book a breeze to read, while the personal stories she shares add richness and depth to her ideas. The inclusion of interactive worksheets and exercises scattered throughout the chapters transforms the reading experience into a hands-on journey of self-discovery, allowing readers to apply insights in real-time. This interactivity encourages deep reflection, inspiring readers to rethink how they approach both life and career.
What Lights You Up stands out as both inspiring and empowering. The author’s personal approach adds a layer of authenticity that makes her message resonate deeply. The book opens with a heartfelt tribute to Olson-Menzel’s late mother, whose enduring passion for art serves as a poignant reminder that age or adversity should never extinguish one’s inner light. This touching anecdote sets the tone for the book, reinforcing the idea that it’s never too late to rediscover and pursue what makes us come alive. Drawing lessons from her own experiences and the world around her, Mary Olson-Menzel delivers a powerful and valuable resource for anyone — regardless of career stage — looking to design a path that feels both authentic and rewarding.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0DJDSFSRC
Demanding but Rewarding Career
The Perils of a Loss Adjuster shares your insights and experiences from your career in the insurance industry offering readers a chance to see this field in a new light. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Many people think of insurance as a boring career, with very little excitement on a day-to-day basis. As with any profession, there are periods when the day-to-day work experience can be routine but when dealing with insurance claims every day is different. You find yourself dealing with individuals from all walks of life and the circumstances of each claim are unique to that individual or company. During my 10 years as a loss adjuster, I dealt with a large number of claims and I decided to keep a record of the more unusual, sad, interesting, or funny incidents that I dealt with. I promised myself that when I retired I would write about these incidents to share with my family and friends, many of whom had heard me describe some of these incidents over the years. When my memoir was in a basic draft form my family and friends encouraged me to publish it as they found it a very interesting, funny memoir which they believed would be enjoyed by a wider audience.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
It is always difficult to describe incidents which caused such distress to individuals or a company. Break-ins, especially at domestic properties, often leave individuals or families feeling violated and or traumatised and feeling unsafe in their property. A severe fire or flood would often destroy irreplaceable personal items and photographs or records which were part of a family’s history. It was hard to witness how this could have a severe impact on people’s physical and mental health.
From my point of view, I suppose the incidents where I made a fool of myself. In particular where I had to stand up in court and admit that I was unable to read my handwriting! Not a good look for any professional but I felt the story had to be told accurately and of course looking back it was an amusing set of circumstances. At the time, however, I felt awful.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I want readers to understand how different things were back in the late 1970’s and during the 1980’s. Things happened then that would not be acceptable or tolerated today but we were living in a different time.
For a reader not in the profession to be able to enjoy the book it was important for me to explain some of the basic principles of how insurance claims were handled during that time and how an Insurance Peril was defined under a policy from that era. Once a reader has acquired this knowledge it helps them to understand how and why this led to the incidents I describe in the book.
Although Perils, Cover, Legal Precedents, and how claims are handled today have changed I hope that the book may be used by some in the profession, from a historical perspective, to compare differences and any similarities in the way in which Perils are defined and claims dealt with today.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope that readers, whether they are in the industry or not, find it an educational, interesting, and funny memoir and realise that insurance can be a very demanding but rewarding career.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Throughout his narrative, Thurstan delves into various key aspects of the insurance industry, offering insights into accidental damages, loss adjustment, insurance fraud, auditing, banking, theft, and insurance claims. His anecdotes, often laced with humor, serve to demystify the intricate workings of the loss adjuster’s role, providing readers with an insider’s perspective on the challenges and triumphs encountered in the field.
Moreover, Thurstan’s memoir seamlessly intertwines technical explanations with personal reflections, creating a rich tapestry that not only sheds light on the complexities of insurance claims but also delves into the emotional impacts experienced by those involved. By offering a nuanced portrayal of the profession, Thurstan’s memoir offers readers a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the insurance industry, while simultaneously providing a source of entertainment through his captivating storytelling.
Now What?: Managing a Sudden Transition in Your Career
![Now What?: Managing a Sudden Transition in Your Career by [Annella Metoyer]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411DdzI+NpL.jpg)
Now What? Managing a Sudden Transition In Your Career is a book that will always be relevant to any ambitious professional. The information shared by the author, tips on how to grow your career and become the best in the team, and general life advice shared by the author make this book a gem. Annella Metoyer writes from experience. The guidance she gives is solid and objective. I enjoyed reading this book because the author addresses different professional groups and even shares tips on how to navigate the career world. From her book, I believe that a day spent with Annella Metoyer would help one make the right career choices.
While I expected career advice, I was pleasantly surprised to also find a discussion about technology and its impacts. As an individual whose career was directly affected by the changes that technology has brought, Annella had prudent words for those that are just starting out. One way of staying relevant is going the extra mile. The author talks about working hard, working smart and grabbing opportunities whenever they present themselves. The step by step approach shared by the author when getting into a career, making connections and knowing when to leave if possible will be helpful to many students as well as corporate employees.
Apart from her professional life, Annella also touched on her personal life. I enjoyed reading about the challenges she faced and how she handled every issue. This book is an enlightening book with expert advice from an experienced professional. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a career coach or mentor in the professional world.
With practical and actionable advice that you can put to use right away Now What? is a critical book that will ensure your success if you were recently let go from a job you thought was secure. This should be your first step to getting back on track.
Pages: 106 | ASIN: B091ZGC2TQ
LITERARY TITAN 