As someone currently navigating the often-turbulent waters of a job search, I approached “Your AI Roadmap: Actions to Expand Your Career, Money, and Joy” by Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek with a mix of hope and skepticism.

Despite the clickbait-y title, I felt this was a good recapitulation of some of the ideas I knew about but never got around to practising or putting it into action.

The title promises a guide for the AI era, and while not solely focused on landing an AI job, its insights into future-proofing careers and income feel particularly relevant right now.

One of the most prominent ideas in the book, especially resonating with my current situation, is the emphasis on networking. She mentions the “80% People, 15% Projects, and 5% Skills” Recipe: This is a central tenet for career building, especially when seeking a job in AI. It prioritizes networking (“People”) over solely focusing on projects or skill acquisition. The author emphasizes that connections are the most effective way to enter the job market. (I can certainly attest to this truth.) The book argues that people, not just polished CVs, are your ticket into the job market. This is reinforced by the concept of leveraging “weak ties”—connections outside your immediate circle—as these often lead to unexpected opportunities.

Connected to networking is the crucial concept of building a strong personal brand. The book stresses that “having a personal brand is no longer a choice; it’s a requirement” and emphasizes the importance of curating your LinkedIn profile and email signature. As someone actively applying for roles, I see the value in owning my professional story publicly and making sure my online presence reflects the professional I want to be.

Another key idea is the focus on storytelling using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This framework provides a structured way to talk about past accomplishments in interviews and professional settings. The connection here to personal branding is clear: effectively telling your story reinforces your brand and demonstrates your capabilities.

The book also emphasizes resilience and mindset as crucial for navigating career transitions. The author shares her own experience with layoffs and highlights the importance of a growth mindset . For someone facing rejection during a job search, the reminder that “If you believe you can, you can. If you believe you can’t, you can’t. Ultimately, you’ll prove yourself right” is a necessary boost.

The WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) method for goal setting is presented as a way to move beyond just wishing for a new role to actively planning for it. The connection to overcoming obstacles is particularly relevant, as the job search itself presents numerous hurdles.

While the book touches upon pursuing AI jobs specifically, it wisely cautions against solely chasing the “AI rocketship” for job stability. Instead, it advocates for future-proofing income more broadly by developing multiple income streams. This is a valuable perspective, suggesting that even while searching for a traditional role, I should consider exploring side hustles or monetizing my existing skills. The PSS Framework (Product, Sales, Stay the Course) for building a business to $1 million in revenue feels ambitious for now, but the underlying principle of exploring alternative income sources is definitely something to consider.

Critically, while the book offers a lot of encouragement and practical advice, at times it feels like it skims the surface of certain topics. For example, while networking is heavily emphasized, the nuances of building deep and meaningful relationships aren’t explored in great detail. Also, while financial literacy is introduced, the depth might not be sufficient for someone with complex financial situations.

However, for someone actively seeking a new role and feeling lost, the book provides a strong framework and actionable steps to take control of their career trajectory. The consistent message of taking initiative, building connections, and believing in oneself is powerful and timely for anyone in the job market today.

In conclusion, “Your AI Roadmap” offers valuable insights and actionable advice for someone searching for a new role. By prioritizing networking, building a personal brand, mastering storytelling, and cultivating a resilient mindset, job seekers can significantly improve their chances of success in the current landscape. The book’s broader perspective on future-proofing income also encourages looking beyond traditional employment, which can be particularly empowering during a job search.