Quotes from Kate White

If you haven't found your calling yet, the best thing to do is get your butt off your chair, fill your life with a wide array of unusual experiences, and allow yourself to bump into what will exhilarate you.

Rather than relying on a notebook, you should work with two spreadsheets on your computer; you use one to list all the companies you're aware of in the field or fields you're interested in and the other to list every single contact you have.

I'd been to Chelsea Piers a few times over the years. It's a series of buildings constructed on four adjoining piers where the West 20s meet the Hudson River. Back in the early part of the twentieth century, it had been a thriving part of the riverfront, where some of the great ships docked in between their transatlantic crossings. In fact, according to a sign posted there, the Titanic had been destined to dock at

Never make financial decisions based on what you assume you'll be earning in the future.

Every day you should also be checking job boards to track positions as they open up. In addition to the job boards on company websites, use public job boards such as Monster, Indeed, LinkedIn, and any specialty sites. There's also your alumni website, etc.

was always me worrying about Chloe

During your job search, you must also be networking as much as possible, attending events, talks, lectures, and conferences where you'll meet people you can add to your contact list.

Start with a two-line summary of your background, and then say what you're looking for, being as specific as possible. It could go something like this: "I just graduated with a degree in economics, and I worked at a hospital for my past two summers. I'd love a job at a health-related website. I know you once worked for WebMD, and I'd really welcome a personal introduction.

Do not cross your legs, she advises. Keeping both feet on the ground signals that you, well, have both feet on the ground. … If you feel the urge to move out of nervousness, do some toe crunches since the interviewer won't notice those.

And as I'm leaving, my mother has the housekeeper hand me a shopping bag of food. I could win a bloody Oscar for a film someday, and my mother would still be asking me if I had enough clean clothes for the week.

Come right out and say you want it: "It's been great hearing you talk about the position. I'd love to work here, and I think I could do a terrific job for you.

Well, be careful," she said, her words deliberate. She quickly twisted her head, as if making certain no one was behind her. When she turned back around, her green eyes were hard and filled with hate. "Because wouldn't it be terrible if you slipped and hurt yourself?

intimidated by her, too, but they recognized her value. Before long

She had her sonar continually set for excuses to entertain, to bring together influential and powerful people in a mix that hummed, sizzled, throbbed, and sometimes burst into flames. But I was delighted to be her excuse tonight.

I studied his face, and as I did, I realized that he was studying me, our thoughts tangling in mid-air for a moment.

Smile at people, pop your head into your boss's office regularly and say hello, and come to your first meeting with something really smart to say.

Research shows that striving can become a bad habit.

It's been great hearing you talk about the position. I'd love to work here, and I think I could do a terrific job for you.

Do not gossip with new coworkers, admit to any insecurities or concerns, complain to them, or solicit too much in the way of guidance (they will peg you as clueless), especially

It wasn't marriage per se that mattered to me but rather a life with Guy, and therefore I wasn't in need of a big production to kick it off.

By definition, a mentor shows you the ropes, offers feedback, and provides strategies for success—all very good stuff.

If you've just had a brief conversation at an event, ask, "Is it all right if I drop you a note?" You can follow up with a question in writing.

Do not turn to a sponsor for advice the way you might a mentor. You don't want her to have even a glimmer about any work dilemmas you're facing or doubts you may be struggling with. You want her to see only your strengths, because her role is to sell you. Once

Inform your boss of your progress. Even if your boss isn't asking for in-person updates, send her periodic e-mails about the project. That way she can get a sense about whether there's any kind of problem you might not recognize, especially if you're new at the game. Better to have her course-correct than have the project later blow up in your face.