From First Job to Career
Research and Narratives

From First Job to Career shares real-world job search stories, backed by research and practical advice for career-seekers and counselors.

Steven Zhou (Author), Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron (Author)

9781009376976, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 August 2025

220 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 1.2 cm, 0.33 kg

From First Job to Career is an anthology that weaves together inspiring first-job stories from people across diverse industries and backgrounds, offering career seekers of all ages the chance to connect with relatable experiences and hard-earned wisdom. This collection reveals the different paths people take in shaping their careers and serves as a resource for readers to identify with and learn from others' journeys. Paired with a comprehensive review of research in vocational psychology and career counseling, the book distills key principles and provides actionable resources for navigating the job search and building a meaningful career.

Introduction: Part I. An Overview of the Changing Nature of Work, Career Research, and Career Education: Part II. First Job and Career Narratives: 1. On leaning into risk-taking: Sophie's story
2. On the long and windy path: Caleb's story
3. On persistence in pursuing accounting: Katie's story
4. On alternative definitions of success: Wyatt's story
5. On unconventional and unexpected paths: Meera's story
6. On getting the most out of that first job: Aiden's story
7. On trying something out, just to see what it's like: Sara's story
8. On doing something completely different: Bailey's story
9. On starting a career in the Army: Ronald's story
10. On persistence from an International student perspective: David's story
11. On finding a job in the Interim: Arlene's story
12. On confidence in your value: Axel's story
13. On being hungry: Gregor's story
14. On lifelong government careers: Sid's story
15. On overpreparing in your job search: Daniel's story
16. On changing plans and taking risks: Taylor's story
17. On recovering from a blindside: Tabia's story
18. On saying yes to everything: Korey's Story
19. On coincidences: Adnan's Story
20. On finding a path Internationally: Maara's Story
21. On the challenges of being a person of color in finance: Afi's story
22. On adapting to nonlinearity: Tristan's story
23. On setting your own pace: Kyla's story
24. On reflecting on times of desperation: Ray's story
25. On throwing the plan out the window: Dana's Story
26. On proving your worth: Colton's story
27. On staying open to new directions: Thomas' story
28. On pivoting from your original career path: Mika's story
29. On faking It until you make it: Darius' story
30. On starting a career later in life: Tori's story
31. On leaving a hostile work environment: Allen's story
32. On starting at the bottom of the ladder: Dex's story
33. On being employee number seven: Sheri's story
34. On being a lifelong learner: Warren's story
35. On faith through disabilities: Gerald's story: 36. On managing your expectations: Ronan's story
37. On making the most out of your degree: Nolan's story
38. On working hard in any position: Zara's story: 39. On selling out: Irena's story
40. On the challenges of sexism at work: Macie's story
41. On loyalty to a company: Esther's story
42. On bouncing back: Aba's Story
43. On inventing a role: Sia's story
44. On start-up after start-Up: Dario's Story
45. On breaking traditional expectations: Angela's story
46. On figuring It out through trial and error: Glenn's story
47. On finding value in less-than-ideal circumstances: Kara's story
48. On Resilience: Nathan's story: 49. On focusing on the here and now: Mason's story
50. On patiently waiting for your moment: Jed's story
51. On negotiating your salary: Ray's Story
52. On standing up for yourself: Clara's story
53. On being pushed harder than expected: Klein's story
54. On widening your job search: Devon's story
55. On relying on your network: Rafaela's story
56. On the immigrant experience in the US: Domenico's story
57. On being a serial entrepreneur: Claudia's story
58. On a lifelong career in hospitality: Reagan's story
59. On a lifelong career in nursing: Barbara's story
60. On just starting a career and looking for next steps: Molly's story
61. On taking the first step: Melinda's story
Part III. Making meaning of career Narratives: Appendix A: Methodology: Appendix B: Participant Demographics: References: Index.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]