Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free book in exchange for a review!


This would have been the perfect book for me as a teen - I loved how much this covered. As a college student, it doesn't help me but if somebody had handed this to my teen self. I would have been a lot more ready to handle what college had to throw at me academically and professionally. I would recommend this book to a teen looking for a resource for the future or someone who loves a teen who is worried about the future.

My son is getting through this book with me making notes and lists!

It's a great resource for year 9/10 kids and has certainly put my mind at rest a bit for a boy who has been flip flopping between careers!

Both my niece and I read this book together and even though I am in my 40s and she is still in highschool planning her first job and goals for her life, we both found the advice educational. My niece was inspired to get started on writing up a plan for university studies and researching her dream career so she can take the required programs in highschool to meet the requisites in university and her volunteering.
This gave her tremendous inspiration, and motivation to take her studies seriously. She is more excited than anxious and I hope other teens can get the same benefits as my niece when they read this book.

An Inspiring and Practical Guide to Career Planning for Teens

Emma Davis does it again! After reading and enjoying her book Essential Life Skills for Teens, I was eager to see how she would tackle the equally important topic of career planning. *Smart Career Planning for Teens* does not disappoint—it’s an inspiring, practical guide that empowers young people to navigate their future with clarity, passion, and purpose.

As a high school teacher, I know how overwhelming career planning can feel for teens. Davis breaks the process down into manageable steps, encouraging students to explore their interests, identify their strengths, and align their values with potential career paths. Her tone is supportive and relatable, which makes the book engaging and approachable for teens.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on bold, thoughtful decision-making. Davis encourages teens to dream big while also staying grounded in reality by researching their options and considering the skills they’ll need to succeed. She provides actionable exercises—like creating vision boards, setting SMART goals, and networking strategies—that make career planning less intimidating and more actionable.

Another standout feature is Davis’s focus on the idea that career planning isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about building a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. This holistic approach resonates deeply and aligns with the advice I strive to give my students.

Having previously read Davis's Essential Life Skills for Teens, I noticed some great overlap between the two books. Davis’s knack for combining practical guidance with emotional intelligence carries through in this guide, making it a natural companion for teens looking to develop both personal and professional skills.

If I had to find one area for improvement, it would be the inclusion of more examples for teens facing unique challenges, such as those from underserved communities or those interested in unconventional career paths. A broader range of stories and resources could make the book even more inclusive and relatable.

Overall, Smart Career Planning for Teens is a must-read for teens, parents, and educators alike. It’s a valuable resource for helping young people take ownership of their future while staying true to themselves. Highly recommend this book and any of Emma Davis’s work—she has a gift for guiding teens toward success and fulfillment!

External Perspective

Very early on the author addresses what I believe many teens deal with asking themselves ‘What’s the clear cut path and I can follow?’ She addresses this with “There is no one clear and defined path will lead you to success.” Teens love to disregard the pillar adults in their life. I believe this external perspective will help support the messages they may already be blocking out from you.

Before even breaking into Chapter one I feel like some foundational skills for resilience and work ethic behaviors are laid. Life skills that so many people finally grasp after adversity or later than they should.

My suggestion to not overwhelm your teen with the title of the book. Have them read through Chapter 1 and suggest just going one chapter at a time every few days. I found once I got into chapter one it pulled me in. The delivery of this book would have made teenage me feel in the same boat as everyone else, empowered and inspired.

I think this book would be ideal for 8th grade through early high school as a primary audience. I think it will take pressure off them and allow them time to brainstorm, use their high school electives and experience hand in hand with this guide.

I received a free copy of this book from Emma Davis and BooksGoSocial. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

A great addition to the field of careers education's and guidance. This is a wonderful book for both parents and teens, plus it will be a useful tool for careers advisors. Lots of really helpful guidance on planning and investigating career options alongside self reflection and realistic goal setting. For non professionals the contents of this book are a perfect introduction to educational and career planning with useful charts and tables to personalise the experience.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this eCopy to review

Smart Career Planning for Teens is a comprehensive guide designed to help teenagers make informed decisions about their future careers. Emma Davis combines practical advice with motivational insights to empower young readers to take control of their career paths.

Self-Discovery
The book begins with exercises and activities to help teens understand their interests, strengths, and values. This self-awareness is crucial for making career choices that are both fulfilling and sustainable.

Exploring Career Options
Davis provides an overview of various career fields, including emerging industries. She emphasizes the importance of researching and understanding different professions before making a decision.

Setting Goals
The book offers a step-by-step guide to setting short-term and long-term career goals. Davis stresses the importance of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and provides examples to illustrate how to create them.

Building Skills:
Practical advice on developing essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving is provided. Davis also highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new challenges.

Resilience and Adaptability
The book addresses common challenges teens face, such as academic pressure and social media influence. Davis offers strategies for building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset.

Networking and Personal Branding
Tips on how to network effectively and build a personal brand are included. Davis explains how teens can use social media and other platforms to showcase their skills and connect with professionals in their chosen fields.

Financial Independence
The book covers the basics of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and investing. Davis also discusses high-income skills and side hustles that teens can pursue to gain financial independence.

This comprehensive book is filled with practical tips and exercises that teens can implement immediately and Davis's writing is encouraging and motivational, helping teens feel confident about their future. Overall, Smart Career Planning for Teens is a valuable resource for any teenager looking to take charge of their career journey. It provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions and building a successful future.