The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need

by James Cisneros

Daniel H. Pink, a New York Times best-selling author, spoke to students on Wednesday about his latest book in the Evans Auditorium at Texas State University.

Pink’s most recent book, “Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need,” provides readers with advice on career choices.

The book follows the character of Johnny as he learns seven career lessons:

1. There is no plan

2. Think strengths, not weaknesses

3. It’s not about you

4. Persistence trumps talent

5. Make excellent mistakes

6. Leave an imprint

7. Stay hungry

Inspired by a trip to Japan, “Johnny Bunko” is presented as a graphic novel in the style of manga, a popular form of print media in Japan.

“In Japan, comics are ubiquitous -- a mass medium,” Pink said.

Pink noted that even though traditional U.S. book sales are declining, manga book sales continue to rise.

Pink admitted that most people in America thought it was “weird” to present a business book in manga style.

Richard Ozuna, a visiting student from Austin Community College, praised Pink’s decision.

“I enjoy manga, so I think it’s a really cool idea to make a business book in that style,” Ozuna said.

Pink also discussed the importance of making fundamental, rather than instrumental, job decisions.

According to Pink, fundamental decisions are crucial to success because they can lead to fulfilling careers, while instrumental decisions might not.

“People who make fundamental decisions are the people that really flourish,” Pink added.

“His advice really made me think over my current career path,” said Melissa Munoz, a student at Texas State.

“His points are interesting, and his experience lends him credibility as a career guidance counselor,” added Cesar Cisneros, a mass communication major at Texas State.

Pink is also the author of prize-winning books such as “A Whole New Mind,” and “Free Agent Nation.”

For more information on Daniel Pink, click here.