Start Smart

A stylish illustrated career advice book pairing 60 practical workplace tips with witty cartoons from a New Yorker contributor, designed to help recent graduates, new hires, young professionals, and career changers navigate work with confidence.

Starting a first real job—or stepping into a new role—can feel exciting, intimidating, and confusing all at once. Start Smart gives new professionals quick, practical advice for navigating workplace communication, office culture, relationships, confidence, and career growth.

Written by NYU Stern professor and communications executive Jeffrey Sharlach, this highly giftable guide features 60 concise lessons paired with sharp black-and-white illustrations by New Yorker contributor Juan Astasio. The result is a career advice book that feels useful, funny, polished, and easy to return to again and again.

Packaged as a faux leather hardcover, Start Smart is a standout gift or desk companion for anyone ready to move up with more confidence and clarity.

Here’s what makes Start Smart a practical gift for the next career step:

• 60 quick workplace lessons: Concise tips on communication, relationships, confidence, office etiquette, and career success.

• Perfect for graduates and new hires: A natural fit for college graduation, MBA graduation, internships, first jobs, and onboarding.

• Credible professional guidance: Written by a longtime NYU Stern professor and founder of a global communications firm.

• Polished hardcover package: Faux leather binding and humorous illustrations make it useful, memorable, and display-worthy.

Start Smart is the perfect graduation gift, first job companion, or desk accessory for graduates, new hires, and anyone beginning their professional life.