"In a time of extraordinary change in postsecondary education and the workforce, this book posits that there is no single way to prepare for a meaningful career. It also highlights how social capital, rather than occupying its historic role of perpetuating inequality, must be repurposed for the next generation as we work toward a more inclusive workforce." --Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling "Wildavsky shows how students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the most to gain from the knowledge, skills, and critical career networks that degrees offer, but also sees a place for high-quality alternative pathways. Essential reading for policy experts as well as guidance counselors, teachers, parents, and students, this nuanced and timely book bridges the debate over the value of college versus nondegree credentials, enabling both sides of the argument to think more clearly." --Brent Orrell, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former Acting US Assistant Secretary of Labor "From its powerful, clearly written opening to its compelling reporting and up-to-date synthesis of research, The Career Arts is an excellent, practical guide for all those considering postsecondary education and other career-related learning pathways. A great read and a wonderful resource." --Sean Gallagher, executive director of Northeastern University's Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy "This accessible book will help students, families, and advisers understand that much of today's public debate about college versus job skills is badly flawed. It will also be useful to college and university leaders as they work to improve their students' transition to the labor market, a role they are expected to take on more than ever.

" --Catharine Bond Hill, managing director of Ithaka S+R and former president of Vassar College "Ben Wildavsky challenges us to see the supposed dichotomies between education and training, degrees and certificates, and learning and careers as what they are: false choices that hide the broad ground where each contributes to the other. This is a must-read for learners of all ages." --Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education and former US Under Secretary of Education "Wildavsky's much-needed advice is founded on a carefully balanced and comprehensive understanding of how and why the economic walls have been coming down between training, education, and old-fashioned work experience. The Career Arts is required reading." --Anthony P. Carnevale, director of the Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University "Wildavsky has produced something truly valuable, offering clear, consistent, and coherent principles for anybody trying to make sense of the cacophony of advice about navigating education and career decisions. The book is especially useful for all those students without the advantages of networks and resources." --Margaret Gardner, former president and vice chancellor of Monash University.