Who You Are Is What You Do

 Who You Are Is What You Do: Making Choices About Life After School
 by Heather McAllister (Wilkins Farago)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN 9780980607024
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

If only I had this book when I was at school.

Primarily aimed at secondary school students, Who You Are Is What You Do is a careers counselling tool with a difference. Rather than focussing on 'the job' this innovative book focuses on the person. Author Heather McAllister briefly explores the ideas of the great philosophers Nietzsche, Heidegger and Sartre and uses the approach of determining career choices through individuals examining their core values, passions, skills, strengths and dreams.

This is not a book to flick through and shelve. It is a workbook that demands readers to really think about what makes them happy and fulfilled and to encourage them to take control of their choices and their life.  Questions are asked and space is provided for responses. By the end of the book, thoughtful readers will have a much clearer idea of who they are and which prospective careers might be best for them.

McAllister also provides general careers advice and there are plenty of websites the reader can access for further information. Personalised examples illustrate the point that by examining core beliefs and preferences, individuals can take control of their lives and move into areas of interest to them.

This is a great book for students to help them determine their futures. More importantly, it is a tool to help all of us determine who we really are and what makes our hearts sing.