Newly updated for 2020 with pandemic specific tips, the Golden Guide provides clear advice and guidance for developing the habits of mind and effective behaviors that are likely to lead to career success - no matter what profession or field of inquiry. I wrote Dean Lazar's Golden Guide after working for more than a decade overseeing graduate law (LL.M) and policy (M.P.P.) admissions at Chicago-Kent College of Law and the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. The advice I offer reflects the lessons of my own career journey as well as my experience offering career counseling to hundreds of talented young people.


Some may define pragmatism as the "opposite" of idealism, but I think the best way to think about it is to see pragmatic thinking as practical and pro-active, in support of of your ideals and dreams. Pragmatic behavior is self regarding but certainly not selfish, and this Golden Guide will help those who want to be efficient with their time, effective with their efforts, and successful in their careers and in their lives.