Friday, April 27, 2007

'C'-Worthy Jobs

It's time for all the C students to stand up and take a job.

A new book called "The C Student's Guide to Success" offers advice and insights so each can, as the subtitle says, "become a high achiever without the best grades, connections or pedigree."

In a world that values high achievers, author Ron Bliwas suggests college grads capitalize on their best qualities by, among other things, bending over backward to collaborate, being genuine and practicing acts of kindness.

And he suggests C students must jump on unexpected opportunities because they won't be chosen immediately for advancement. Consider the experience ahead of the money. "Resist the temptation to take high-paying jobs just because they're high paying. . . . If you gain the right experience early on, you'll have more than ample opportunities to make up the pay gap with the A students," Bliwas writes.

The book (Penguin Group, $23.95) points out the advantages to seeking jobs where the stars aren't looking. And yes, Bliwas had a C average at the University of Arizona and started his career putting baby food on supermarket shelves. He now runs a Chicago ad agency.

-- Vickie Elmer