Career Confusion

Dr. Tracey Wilen is a researcher and speaker on the impact of technology on society, work, and careers. A former visiting scholar at Stanford University, she has held leadership positions at Apple, HP, Cisco Systems, and the Apollo Group. She has been an adjunct professor for Bay Area colleges, teaching classes in business, technology, and women’s workforce topics. Dr. Wilen has authored or co-authored thirteen books, including Digital Disruption (2018), Employed for Life (2014), Women Lead (2013), and Society 3.0 (2012). She has appeared on CNN, Fox, and CBS News, and her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. She is a regular guest on radio and TV shows across the US as an expert contributor. Dr. Wilen was named San Francisco Woman of the Year and honored by the San Francisco Business Times as the Most Influential Woman in Bay Area Business.

List of Figures – John P. McGowan: Foreword – Introduction – Section I. Transitions and Continuous Change – The First Industrial Revolution in the United States – The Second Industrial Revolution – The Third Industrial Revolution – The Fourth Industrial Revolution – Section II. Forces Impacting Your Career and Employability – How Key Megatrends of Change Impact Organizations and Careers – Talent Shortage and the Skills Gap – Higher Education Prepares Students for Jobs, Careers, and Life – Section III. Career Planning—Preparing for Future Jobs and Careers – Shifting Organizations and Talent Management – Where Are the Jobs? – Career Planning for Individuals.

“Dr. Wilen presents a no-nonsense, factual manner to discuss how people today can manage their careers in a disrupted world. As the world continues to rapidly change, and become increasingly competitive and technical, workers will need to constantly re-evaluate their skills. Moreover, they will need to be relevant with the modern-day workforce. She offers excellent advice and recommendations for workers in all stages of their career.”
Gary Daugenti, President, Gent & Associates, Inc.

“If you want to stay ahead of the job curve, read this book. Dr. Tracey Wilen provides a view over the horizon. You’ll find timely intel for professionals seeking insights on what trends will create job opportunities. If you are considering a new profession or looking to advance, here’s the information you need to know.”
John Scally, APR, MA, MPA, Media Relations Manager, Padilla

“I have admired Tracey’s mastery of the business world for many years. She is keen on how companies and careers change faster than ever, the impact on lives, and the opportunity it presents. If you are student or professional and need some next step guidance—and ignore this opportunity you will be left behind. Take advantage of Tracey’s vast experience and caring knowledge of the why this change happens, what it means to you, and how to thrive in today’s business world. Like almost no one else Tracey can impart her wisdom in a practical and action-taking manner. She is caring, authentic, and has some brilliant advice for you. She has lived this change. Do not waste this chance—enjoy this book and keep up with time."
Derek Hibbard, Chief Marketing Officer, Fiction Tribe

“A recurring theme in Wilen’s books is that—regardless of rank or salary level—employees need to actively shape their own career success. Put that wisdom to work by reading Career Confusion and come away knowing what steps you can start taking today to make your career more rewarding for a lifetime.”
Caroline Molina-Ray, Ph.D., co-editor of «Women Lead: Career Perspectives from Workplace Leaders»

“Dr. Tracey Wilen presents a vivid and compelling narrative of our journey into the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’—the current, ever-changing digital world that is rapidly and fundamentally transforming how business, educational institutions and workers succeed. «Career Confusion» provides a clear delineation of the current major cultural, quality of life and career paradigm shifts and provides tactical and practical suggestions and resources for finding and extending successful and rewarding careers. This book is significant reading for anyone in business, human capital management, education, or career counselling.”
Patricia Deasy, Practice Director, SpearMC Consulting

“There is nothing more soul-crushing to my field than unrealized human potential. Imagine what our world could be, how much more we could accomplish and how much more satisfying our experiences would be if we all moved just a few steps closer toward identifying and achieving our individual potential. Now imagine combining that individual power with the unique potential of others, or even better: augmenting our insight on how we identify, develop and combine our skills using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). That is an example of scalable learning and I believe that is our greatest competitive advantage.”
Christine Menard, a vice president of learning and development and a global asset manager

“This book is required reading for anyone in career transition. Navigating the inevitable career confusion that we will all experience at some point in our lives can be overwhelming and, well, confusing. Dr. Wilen walks us through this ever-changing landscape and guides us through every step of the process of pursuing a job in this modern world. The book is an invaluable resource for those just starting out, and for experienced professionals looking to make a change.”
Anne Angelopoulous, Senior Director, JustStaff Inc.

“Whether you’re navigating your career or managing an organization, «Career Confusion» is the best book I have read that explains the challenges and skills needed to be successful through the four Industrial Revolutions—and most importantly, the current terrain. It provides you the insights to best prepare for future employment and appreciate the roles of recruiters, career centers, corporations, and educational institutions. And it will motivate you to be a life-long learner.”
Glen Fowler, 2017–18 President, National Association of Colleges and Employers

“«Career Confusion» is a must-read for students and individuals navigating career paths. This book is one of the most enjoyable resources on the topic of career management that I have had the pleasure to read.”
From the Foreword by John P. McGowan, Vice Provost and CIO, The University of Alabama and Associate Vice Chancellor for IT, The University of Alabama System