Written in an engaging, common-sense tone, Solving the Professional Development Puzzle addresses many issues facing graduates in today’s ever-changing, demanding workplace. From working in a global space to dining with class to constructing a powerful resume, this book offers an abundance of activities, advice, examples, and suggestions for developing a power job search plan. Strong coverage of ethics and character development is included, as well as a detailed chapter on financial management in the transition from college to the world of work including advice on buying a car, avoiding credit card debt, and running from check cashing centers.
Robert M. Sherfield, Ph.D.
Robert Sherfield has been teaching public speaking, theatre, and student success and working with first-year orientation programs for over 25 years. Currently, he is a professor at the College of Southern Nevada, teaching student success, technical writing, public speaking, and drama. He is also an adjunct faculty member at The University of Nevada ― Las Vegas in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration where he teaches classes in professional development.
An award-winning educator, Robb was named Educator of the Year at the College of Southern Nevada. He twice received the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award from the University of South Carolina Union, and has received numerous other awards and nominations for outstanding classroom instruction and advisement.
Robb’s extensive work with student success programs includes experience with the design and implementation of these programs–including one program that was presented at the International Conference on the First-Year Experience in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He has conducted faculty development keynotes and workshops at over 250 institutions of higher education across America. He has spoken in 42 states and several foreign countries.
In addition to his co authorship of Solving the Professional Development Puzzle, he has authored or co authored Cornerstone: Discovering Your Potential, Learning Actively, and Living Well, he has also co-authored Roadways to Success (Prentice Hall, 2001), the trade book 365 Things I Learned in College (Allyn & Bacon, 1996), Capstone: Succeeding Beyond College (Prentice Hall, 2001), Case Studies for the First Year: An Odyssey into Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Prentice Hall, 2004), The Everything®Self-Esteem Book (Adams Media, 2004), and Cornerstone: Building On Your Best for Career Success (Prentice Hall, 2006).
Robb’s interest in student success began with his own first year in college. Low SAT scores and a low high school ranking denied him entrance into college. With the help of a success program, Robb was granted entrance into college, and went on to earn five college degrees, including a doctorate. He has always been interested in the social, academic, and cultural development of students, and sees this book as his way to contribute to the positive development of first-year students across the nation.
Visit www.robertsherfield.com.
Patricia G. Moody, Ph.D.
Patricia G. Moody is Dean Emeritus of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, where she served on the faculty and in administration for over 30 years. An award-winning educator, Pat was honored as Distinguished Educator of the Year at her college and as Collegiate Teacher of the Year by the National Business Education Association. She was also a top-five finalist for the Amoco Teaching Award at the University of South Carolina. She received the prestigious John Robert Gregg Award, the highest honor in her field of over 100,000 educators.
A nationally known motivational speaker, consultant, and author, Pat has spoken in almost every state, has been invited to speak in several foreign countries, and frequently keynotes national and regional conventions. She has presented her signature, motivational keynote address, “Fly Like an Eagle” to tens of thousands of people, from Olympic athletes to corporate executives to high school students.
An avid sports fan, she follows Gamecock athletics and chaired the University of South Carolina Athletics Advisory Committee. As the Dean of her college, Dr. Moody led international trips to build relationships and establish joint research projects in hospitality.
Pat now travels the country delivering workshops, keynotes, and presentations on topics such as change, empowering human potential, personal growth, diversity, and working in the new global community.
