Nicole Eisenberg - University of Maryland

Stop Procrastinating! The Five Simple Ps That Promise an A+ and a Social Life

By Nicole Eisenberg > Freshman > Business > University of Maryland

No wonder students are resorting to excuses—we’re only retaining 10 percent of what we read, and 20 percent of what we hear, says Nicholas Aretakis’ website, author of No More Ramen: The 20-Something’s Real World Survival Guide.

With that probability, professors can’t expect us to actually ace our tests and do our homework, right? Wrong—takes some effort, but with just a few simple changes to your procrastination habits, you can get that A.

First, open your planner (or go out and buy one if you didn’t already). Next: use it. As soon as you receive a syllabus, write down your entire semester’s work, including deadlines and study time. Also, write down some “social” time, like a date for the movies.

Next, prioritize. Cramming 37 hours of activities into 24 hours is impossible—unless you rank what you have to do in order of importance. Use a number system or stars and symbols to organize the tasks you just wrote into your planner.

Plain just do it now. Lay out a course of action—two hours for this paper, one hour for studying—stay off YouTube and get to it!

Have more than one assignment to do? Dr. Daniela Schreier, assistant professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, recommends treating your schoolwork like dinner—finish your first helping before starting on your second.

Then, pluck them off the list. Take a marker and cross that baby out. That action alone will feel rewarding.
Following these rules, you’ll have hours to spare. Reward yourself with Starbucks or watch a re-run of Glee. Perhaps even celebrate with the fifth simple P: party!

Jennifer Rogers - Arizona State University

What is one of the most common and most difficult questions to answer as a graduating senior? That's right, answering the question of "What are your plans after graduation?" causes most seniors to feel obligated to have the perfect, politically correct answer ensuring they have fully planned their next step of life.

For most college students, the next step is often a hazy, uncertain period in their lives. Fortunately, No More Ramen, a book written to guide 20-something's from the "college world" to the "real world" is tremendously helpful to bridge the gap. The author, Nicholas Aretakis, exposes key areas in careers, finding a dream job, personal life, finances, and even the importance of life balance. No More Ramen addresses a myriad of questions that most college students have; the advice from the 20-somethings featured in the book adds a personalized approach that college students can relate to. With recommended online career sources to budgeting templates, any 20-something can set their life up for success by reading this book. An easy and life-changing read, No More Ramen should be used not only as a guide from college to the real world but as a guide throughout one's life.

Arizona State University - anonymous

The one book every college student should read before graduation! After reading No More Ramen, my fears of going out into the 'real world' turned into excitement. As a graduating senior at ASU, I had so many questions about what to do with my life after graduation. The author really understands what is in the heads of 20-somethings because he addressed all of my concerns. I was able to take a sigh of relief knowing I am not the only one with these questions. This is the ultimate toolbox for any student who wants the best out of their life after college. From how to balance your personal and professional life to interviewing tips and budgeting, this book covers it all. I highly recommend it and I will be giving them away as graduation gifts to all my friends!

Michael Pritsos - Arizona State University

In this day and age there are a lot of books on the shelves that have been written to aid people going through certain stages in their life. Perhaps one of the stages that have remained nearly untapped, or unaided, is that of the high school graduate on through the mid-twenties. Nicholas Aretakis has come to relieve the youth with his book, No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide.

Aretakis writes with a clear and level-headed pen, engaging his young readers with schooling, employment, money, and still more. Aretakis has gathered information from hundreds of young men and women, 20-somethings as he so aptly names them, and not only lays out simple directions for many of the youth's questions but brings about those answers in a personal way by drawing upon comparisons of his own life as a 20-something 20-some odd years ago.

Aretakis answers questions like what readers should look for in an employer, how business traveling schedules should be broken down between work and play, how to boost credit scores, and even tips on remembering fellow workers' names for those initial anxiety-filled times at a new job. Whether stuck in a rut or getting out into the blinding lights of the adult world, No More Ramen is an essential read for every 20-something looking for a bit of guidance.

Ashley Kendrick - Auburn University

No More Ramen is the perfect book whether you are a college senior or a professional in the workplace. It is the A-Z resource on how to succeed as a person. No matter what your future goals and aspirations are No More Ramen can show you the way from pinpointing those goals to achieving them. It also deals with the daily life frustrations and hurdles of learning new things, handling your finances, and figuring out who you are as a person.

No More Ramen also provides you with charts, forms, and checklists at the end of the chapters to help you recap what you have read and put your ideas into practice. Aretakis answers all of the questions you have now and will have in the future. It is a book that can be used a resource tool later in life and can start pointing you in the right direction today.

Lin Ni - Berkeley University

Finishing my first year at college and arriving at the end of my teenage years, I have experienced the all-too-common "pre-life crisis". Although I am a few years from stepping into the "real world", I am not unfamiliar with the pressures of competition or the fear of failure. What do I want to do with my life? How do I get my first job? Will I ever make enough to buy a home, or at least, stop living off Shrimp-flavored Ramen? These are questions that haunt the back of my mind and I crave for somebody to give me the answers. That's when I read "No More Ramen".

Nicholas Aretakis, an accomplished once-20-something who is now ready and willing to offer words of wisdom through years of experience and interviews with hundreds of 20-somethings across the country, offers timely advice for those like myself who are starting out on the journey of life beyond school with a shaky leg and tons of questions about everything. Being an immigrant and an only child, "No More Ramen" is the mentor and friend whom I've always looked for to give me an extra push in the right direction. From landing the first interview to saving up for retirement, "No More Ramen" gives tried-and-true advice, useful tools and resources and the motivation I need to start off on the right foot. As I was reading the book, several times I put it down to search within myself for answers that had always eluded me. Soon enough, I got out a pen and paper and started making concrete plans for my future. For the first time since college, a vision for my future is beginning to take shape. I hope many more 20-somethings will read this book and confidently face the real world with its endless challenges on quests to find their happiness.

Phyllis Fang - University of California, Berkeley

It is easy to figure out the education system and grasp a handle on it within the course of twelve years or more, just as it is easy to pull back the lid on the Styrofoam ramen cup and follow the three steps to preparing your dinner. A much different playing ground, the real world, comes with no easy set of instructions. It brings along a new set of responsibilities and conventions such as money management, renting vs. buying, health insurance, and proper cubicle protocol, that were never included in ready-made ramen packages.

Nicholas Aretakis' No More Ramen addresses these concerns and many others I had not even thought of that need to be considered when transitioning into the "real world". No More Ramen is packed with tips and strategies and is an easy read. The book is filled with quotes, examples, and anecdotes from hundreds of 20-somethings Aretakis interviewed while writing. He doesn't care if you are graduating "from Harvard or Online U" or what your aspirations may be. Aretakis speaks motivationally while keeping himself and the reader level-headed and realistic. The author leaves the big questions in life: career path, marriage, family, etc, up to you to approach, but he provides the tools to discover your dreams and unravel your future. A list of resources and websites at the end of each chapter are also included to point the reader in further direction.

No More Ramen is not just for 20-somethings -it should be read by anyone who has started thinking about the "real world". As a college junior, the prospect of graduating and entering the real world soon is both exciting and sobering. Instead of worrying myself into paralysis and chaos, digging my head deeper into the sand, Aretakis' book has given me the reins to "dream, plan, execute" and take control on my life.

Jennifer Bravo - Clemson University

Great resource, don't wait!

No More Ramen is an excellent resource for college students preparing to enter the "real world." However, it may seem like an ideal gift for a recent college grad but I believe No More Ramen would be most helpful to students still in school, specifically those beginning the second half of their college career when things tend to start getting serious and the future becomes more of a realistic concern. Of all the topics Aretakis addresses in the book, I found the section "I Don't Know Jack About Money" to be the most valuable considering many college students may never encounter budgeting, retirement plans, or insurance policies in their courses while in school. All in all, No More Ramen is a valuable tool for students ready to get serious about life after college.

Lindsay Windsor - Cornell University

Aretakis gives extremely pragmatic advice about adjusting to the real world for recent college graduates in his book No More Ramen. From explaining how to look for a job to offering tips on running an effective meeting, Aretakis' professional advice is amiable, diplomatic, and very straightforward, with a focus on helping the reader to achieve their personal goals on and off the job. It provides worksheets and take-home exercises for making a budget, comparing job options, and writing a one-year plan, and includes many references to online resources for further reading. Advice that I've heard from my dad is given greater authority by another successful professional weighing in.

No More Ramen relates crucial information for any young person starting a career, balancing finances, or looking to define life goals. The book transformed how I think about writing a resume, gave me a much better perspective on the 8-to-5 workday life, changed how I answer the phone at my internship, and helped me to think about the sacrifices I'm willing to make in order to achieve my long-term personal and career goals. An excellent resource!

Rena Gower - Cornell University

No More Ramen really is the 20-something's real world survival guide. At 21, I have been living in New York for the past 6 months trying to get by on my own and survive by my paycheck and not my parent's credit card. I thought it would be easy, but I found out soon enough that I really had no idea what I was doing--budgeting money while trying to maintain a certain lifestyle is no easy task! No More Ramen addresses all of the things I had questions on-I'm not prepared for a real job (Chapter 6), I don't know jack about money (Chapter 7), and even basic things such as "everyone at my job constantly complains about work, the company, and our boss. Is it like that everywhere?"

As much as I thought I was ready for the real world when I left school, I found that I was sadly mistaken. I really had no idea how hard it was to be on my own. No More Ramen is a great read for anyone trying to learn basics about saving money, job interviewing, job etiquette, and basic survival guides and tips on how to be an "adult". The author writes very concisely and uses terminology anyone can understand. This book is a must-read for anyone recently on their own trying to get by and establish themselves in the real world.

Chrissie Gorman - Duke University

Nicholas Aretakis gets 20-somethings. So much so that, rather than write a book for them, he wrote one with them: hundreds of confused people in their 20s, trying to find out what to do with their lives. The result of this open-ended discussion, "No More Ramen," reads like a how to manual with a personalized twist. Whatever your college status (undergrad, graduate, dropout etc.) and financial background, Aretakis has advice and step-by-step instructions for you.

The structure of the book allows the reader to grasp Aretakis' game plan step by step. Rather than heaving tons of advice on the unsuspecting reader, the author delves into individual problems and concerns one at a time, ending each chapter with a helpful worksheet or list of additional resources.

As a recent college graduate who does have a job, I was able to find numerous resources that will be very helpful to me, including monthly budgets and "what not to wear" suggestions for the work environment. However, whether you've got a job and the post-college blues, are trying to figure out what to do with your life or even you're just a college student trying to get ahead, "No More Ramen" is a must-read guide to the most difficult, but rewarding, years of your life.

Holly Lance - Duke University

No More Ramen is an easy, enjoyable read that gives practical career advice for those just entering the job market. The book details in easy to follow sections the steps of setting career goals, finding the job that will point you in the right direction, and how to excel and advance in your career. The ideas are not rocket science (it's a lot about working hard now to reap the rewards later), but it probably sinks in more to hear it from an objective adult who has been through it already.

I found Aretakis' candid advice on why joining the Peace Corps or traveling may not be the best idea to be helpful, and as well as his explanation of why it is worth taking a "grunt work" job though it may pay more to wait tables. There is also an extensive section on budgeting and finance, which EVERYONE should read. He shows you exactly how not to end up in massive debt, which statistics show is a common problem for people right out of school. One great feature of the book is that all the models and "exercises" in every section are also online at www.NoMoreRamenOnline.com. There are additional references given throughout the book and in the appendix.

The book is tailored to the young 20-something just starting out, but it would also be helpful for college students who are starting to think about the "real world". I have actually found it useful for my summer internship, especially the advice about getting settled in. No More Ramen does not have to be read cover-to-cover, rather, it is a great reference tool that one can easily go back and refer to time and time again. College career centers should start giving out this book to their students, and it also would make a great gift for soon-to-be grads!

Rachel Roseman - George Washington University

Nicholas Aretakis, author of No More Ramen, has taken a different approach to advising young adults joining the "real world." Instead of preaching and lecturing, the book is interactive and conversational, and addresses real concerns, such as disappointing your parents and "not making it." With 8 "must read to succeed" chapters, I started to breathe easier with the passing of each page.

No More Ramen is for the 20-30 age brackets, and its subject is primarily based on how to earn enough money to throw the cheap Ramen noodles away. You know what I am talking about- those dry noodles that when put in the microwave with water, become an almost edible soup that is neither not fulfilling nor nutritional but is a buck a pop. Aretakis writes about how to motivate oneself, how to find a job and how to get that job. Also included is practical advice on budgets, as well as worksheets to practice balancing budgets. The book is very relatable, thanks to the hundreds of interviews Aretakis has conducted over the past year, and I was constantly turning down pages I wanted to reference later on: i.e. what to do if I'm not getting ahead, and how to balance work and play.

There are thousands of self-help and how-to books out there, but my pick is definitely Nicholas Aretakis' No More Ramen- the 20-something's real world survival guide. The sooner you read this book, the faster you can throw away those ramen noodles and start your life- what are you waiting for?

Nicole Nalls - Illinois State University

Whether you are a 20-something entering your last years as an undergrad or you had already made your way into the workforce, this is the book for you. Aretakis addresses the most crucial points of surviving this real world we so often hear about. He does not simply tell the reader that you can have it all, but rather provides excellent tools and resources so that this is actually possible.

Although this book does appeal to the 20-something, it is relevant to anyone who is looking to advance in their career or starting over completely. This is not a book that you will read and find no use for later. Aretakis provides you with tools on investing, budgeting, and insurance that can be used throughout your lifetime. It is an interesting read and as is offered on the cover a "straight talk" on the big stuff and so much more.

I appreciated that Nicholas Aretakis not only spoke on his life, but also provided insight from other 20-somethings. It made the book fun to read, and showed me that the things that intimidate me about the future are common. I also enjoyed the fact that he didn't just speak on topics, but provided you with strong groundwork for conquering them. You do not often find such a specific book on being successful after college. I recommend No More Ramen, because it is a must have and a must read for all 20-somethings. No where else will you be able to find this much concentrated information that is actually relevant to your life.

Megan Westberg - Kansas State University

What is it about graduation that utterly terrifies otherwise intelligent, reasonable 20-somethings? Apprehension about the future is almost unbearable for many, with good reason. Going out into the "real world" to be a "grown up" is something most young adults are simply not ready for, mainly due to a lack of training in the art that is every day survival. Luckily, an opportunity for self-education exists in the book No More Ramen, which actually advertises itself as "the 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide." This book is for all those of us who do not know how to do anything that does not revolve around being in the world of academia, and because of this book, we can know that we are not alone in the quest for success. Even more importantly, No More Ramen gives strategies for getting what each individual wants out of his or her life. Thanks to the wisdom of someone who has been there, acting on the demands of 20-something focus groups, college graduates and other young professionals can now be equipped to formulate a plan of survival.

Besides formulating specific, individual plans of success, No More Ramen also talks about the specifics of "real life" that are not taught in most college classes. Insurance, taxes, budgeting, and balance are all discussed, as well as realistic expectations for a career. Unfortunately, it does not look like the odds are in anyone's favor to be a multi-millionaire by the age of 30, but it is better to know that now, to avoid feeling like such a failure then. Perhaps one of the best things about this book is that it has value beyond the first reading, and the reader can have every intention of keeping this book well into a first or even second job. The resources and wisdom found within its pages will guide many to write a beautiful resume, get through the perfect interview, and find exactly what the reader is looking for in work and in life.

Everybody needs this - LazBryan.Blogspot.com

I just read an article from a broadsheet earlier this morning about a book on surviving in the real world. I found it interesting for it might help me as I enter the real world or the professional field, very soon (hopefully...). The book is entitled No More Ramen, written by Nicholas Aretakis, an executive sales and marketing consultant. He writes on choosing a career, landing a job offer after an interview, and getting short and long-term goals for ones future. I visited his site online and found a template on how to plan and document goals. It might get in handy for everybody, I guess. Here it is:

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GET SOME GOALS

The sooner you get thinking about your future, the sooner you can begin leading your life, instead of allowing your life to lead you. Here are some questions to help you discover what you want from life. As you work through the questions, be honest with yourself and don't be afraid to think big!

Age Wish List: List one or more big milestones you want to achieve by age 21, 25, 30, 40, and 50. (e.g. education, family, salary, accomplishments, giving, possessions). If you want to be a tenured anthropology professor at a major university by age 40, write it down. If you want to be a certified nutritionist, married with one child by age 30, write it down. If you want to have your first patent by age 25, write it down. Write it all down! Things may get cloudier as you try to envision your life at 50, but think of how you'd like your life to progress and aim high.

Life-long Learning: Write down the skills and experience you'll need to have under your belt to attain the milestones listed in your Age Wish List. Include ideas about how you'll get the experience (e.g., school, employer training, mentor, independent study).

Home Base: Where do you want to live (e.g., city, climate, region)? Some of your other life goals like career and school may dictate where you live, but can you identify your ultimate dream city or town?

Career Possibilities: List the careers and industries you think you might like to work in. Consider how well your education, experience, and skills would fit, as well as the future for the career and industry.

Contacts: Achieving your goals isn't just a function of what you know, it's also who you know. List the people who may be able to help you realize your dreams. Your list may include everyone from your next-door neighbor to your state senator.

Charity: Which charitable causes do you feel strongly about? Write down how you'd like to help make an impact in one year, five years, and ten years.

Sacrifices: Time to be realistic and list what you are willing to postpone or give up in the short term to achieve your goals. For example, you may have to put off home ownership if you want to go to medical school.

- by Nicholas Aretakis

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Aside from this, there are other helpful guides and templates that you can download from his site: www.nomoreramenonline.com

OR! Why not get a copy of his book?

David Sergi - Marymount Manhattan College

This is the book you're looking for. I am a recent college grad and finding this book helped me so much. It really is the guide to life after college or at a turning point in your 'kinda' adult life. The author of the book did a great job with his website that supports the book and he even takes the time to write back to you with questions. If you ever felt like you don't understand life, when you just been given a degree and praised by many for your work, don't worry, this book shows that you're not alone.

This is one book I will let a friend borrow but make sure I get back.

Alice Zhou - MIT

Last weekend I took a spontaneous trip to visit friends down in DC. The trip, at its core, was supposed to be escape therapy - my chance to get away from that post-graduation, pre-real world stress that seems to elude everyone but me. On the way to DC, I started reading No More Ramen and within 10 minutes, I was convinced Nicholas Aretakis had to be omniscient. In a list on page 14 titled "Things you are feeling in your life right now", I mentally checked off every single statement he made - I was beyond shocked. The indecisions and insecurities Mr. Aretakis listed were the same that drove me to escape to DC that weekend.

Upon completing the book, I've come to acknowledge the thoroughness of Mr. Aretakis' research on a wide spectrum of college graduates. I would classify No More Ramen as an essential reference for the major milestones in the next few years of my life. No only does Aretakis' reveal helpful tools for various daunting tasks, his words are also motivating- something I will surely re-visit in face of those daunting tasks.

The friends I met up with in DC reinforced the message I got from No More Ramen: most people at my age share the same doubts, the same quest for happiness, and the same hesitation towards starting that quest. But with determination - and perhaps a copy of No More Ramen - we will be OK and we will all get there.

Traveling out of town did not turn out to be my escape therapy. Instead, knowing that someone out there understands where I am at and in turn offer helpful advice was both a relief and an inspiration.

Tiffany Chang - New York University

Will I ever find my dream job? Why is it all so overwhelming? I'm broke! I don't know what I want to do in life. How does the workplace work? Why am I having a quarter-life crisis?! Sound familiar? No worries-us real-world-bound young people finally have answers, thanks to a new, revealing book, No More Ramen by Nicholas Aretakis.

Like the typical Entitlement Generation-er, I've always considered the future as a puzzle that would work itself out, the world as my very friendly oyster, and success to fall easily at my feet. Lo and behold, we face the real world and realize, oh my goodness-we are in way over our heads. Nicholas Aretakis' No More Ramen is a great read for those who suffer similar revelations and need guidance…and actually to anybody who THINKS they don't need guidance-because you'll be surprised at what you don't know about the real world.

This self-proclaimed "real world survival guide" is exactly that-a manual for figuring out the little details of the work place and personal obstacles, and just how to be a personal success in life. Aretakis' book is a casual, conversational read, privileging readers with forgotten tips like what to say in a conference, what to look for in a job, and how to translate academic success to professional success. For all of you out there who have heard too often the clichéd schpiels about dressing to impress, running over portfolio pitches or simply following your heart to that perfect job that seems nonexistent, Aretakis gives you a little bit of that-and then blows you out of the water with the more important specifics.

From personal rating charts, goal sheets and answers about everything from sick days to tax forms to housing plans, No More Ramen is a clear shot of a book at giving you success in life in a nutshell. I recommend this book to all 20-somethings, and even those younger, and definitely to parents. Everyone must take a bite out of this delicious No More Ramen-the solutions offered are answers to questions you never even thought to ask! Guaranteed this is not just a guide, but a 20-something's key to avoiding regretful hindsight and future panic attacks. www.NoMoreRamenOnline.com

Tiffany Wos - New York University

Most young adults just stepping out into the real world either think they pretty much know what to expect, or they have absolutely no idea whatsoever. Nicholas Aretakis' No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide, offers a no nonsense, real life manual that clears up the many misconceptions harbored by young adults across the nation. Coupling the thoughts and concerns of 20-somethings throughout the country today with his own life experiences, Aretakis offers insightful suggestions and solutions to the life problems, questions, and concerns harbored by many on there own for the first time. He presents ways in which it is possible to achieve a life full of success and happiness through planning and balance. Aretakis is ultimately able to illustrate methods in which young adults may better plan and balance their lives through an effective interactive approach they can actually grasp and put to use.

Unlike many guides, No More Ramen never falsely proposes the simplicity and ease in which goals may be achieved. Aretakis lets the reader know what can truly be expected, whether or not it is of a difficult nature. He acknowledges the patience, determination, and sincere hard work needed in the work force as well as in life. However, he also notes easier ways in which hard long-term goals may be achieved. Furthermore, Aretakis presents key questions the reader should ask his or herself, as well as step by step guides to help break down different procedures and courses for action. He covers everything from choosing the right career path to landing that perfect job, and beyond.

Although No More Ramen targets career goals, it holds invaluable advice on succeeding in all areas of life from relationships to personal health. Moreover, it goes beyond the boardroom to codes of conduct on professional outings like restaurant dinners and business travel. Aretakis covers all those questionable areas of professional etiquette, and offers basic guidelines and tailored suggestions. In addition, he offers information on the greyest of all areas for young adults: personal finance, including health insurance and all those dubious terms they reference. Unlike many career guides of this nature, No More Ramen is written in a simple, straightforward manner that is useful to young adults nationwide. Aretakis speaks directly to the reader as if he was the reader's very own personal mentor… and in the end, he undoubtedly is.

Greg Salter - Notre Dame

I really don't like ramen noodles. In fact, I would rather starve than be forced to eat them everyday, and my worst fear would be to make them a staple of my diet. Nicholas Aretakis recognizes that college students, whether they like ramen or not, are eager to reach a point in their life where they are financially secure enough to afford heartier meals.

Aretakis has made a great life for himself, as he explains in his book, No More Ramen, but he still understands what its like to be a 20-something struggling for cash and motivation. He wants his readers to give themselves the chance to lead the same kind of life he has - to dream big and to work hard to achieve those goals.

He also recognizes that work shouldn't be your first priority, and that family comes first. Simply put, Aretakis understands that confusing age when you are graduating college and forced into the real world for the first time. Anyone in that situation will admit that it can be intimidating, but Aretakis manages to touch on every topic that is worrisome to the soon-to-be or recent graduate.

No More Ramen is a great tool for any student ready to move on from college or any 20-something that still is confused about where their life is headed. Aretakis makes it easy to understand where he is coming from in this pleasurable read. I would definitely suggest picking up this book if you are even slightly confused about your future!

Victoria Perez - Notre Dame

I am a college student and I am confused about my future.

This is a true statement that haunts a student's mind every time we are forced to pick a class schedule, a friend of a parent casually asks for a definitive major or we decide to bus tables for money instead of participating in a no income internship for a summer.

Thankfully as college students we have a myriad of resources (parents, career counselors, books, etc.) that have addressed this tired but true dilemma. Unfortunately advice usually morphs into an imposing lecture or bland assessment of interests.

Nicholas Aretakis' book No More Ramen is a phenomenal exception to this trend of generic unhelpful advice. Aretakis has scoured the country for diverse 20-somethings and their stories in order to find the common sentiments of the members of our generation. Each chapter begins with a story that probably sounds familiar to a personal experience and then segues into the fear that each of us has in the back of our mind but thus far been unable to exactly label or explain. He then takes the reader one step further by bluntly stating the fear and then offering concrete explanations that lead to a comfort in knowing there are answers, solutions, and plans available to ease our minds about our future.

This book shines as a true companion to the difficult decision making process and then follows up with helpful suggestion on etiquette and solutions to common real world problem in the business world today. A quick and leisurely read, No More Ramen can serve as the starting point to figuring out one's future.

Stephanie Kirkpatrick - Penn State University

As I was creating my résumé to go to the upcoming career fair, I was confused about what I was going to do. I was confused and thought I was the only one going through this pain. So I turned to No More Ramen. The title may sound funny, and ironic that I would read it because I actually enjoy eating a cup of ramen, but it was really a guide to help me with the job-search process. It gave me hope because I was not the only college senior who was trying to find myself. The author, Nicholas Aretakis recognizes all of the struggles there are in not only trying to find that first job, but also finding a career that will bring enjoyment to life. He realizes there is struggle between personal and professional goals.

Aretakis once a 20-something year old himself, used his experiences to answer hundreds of questions that young adults think about when they enter into the real world. He includes self-check lists to guide in important decisions such as rating the employer, rent vs. buy, and the interview prep form. He also includes all the little things including: appearance, first impressions are vital, practice your handshake, email, phone, and voicemail etiquette, importance of insurance, negotiating salary, and living with the parents.

No More Ramen is a must read for every "confused" 20-something year old that is trying to find where they fit into the real world. I recommend every college student read it and use it as a reference as they go through their journey into the next stage of life.

For more advice and reviews visit www.nomoreramenonline.com

Nicole Walker - Pennsylvania State University

I have to say, I was a little skeptical in reading a book entitled "No More Ramen". It wasn't exactly seeming like it would be very informative but boy was I wrong. I picked up this book and couldn't put it down. It was extremely insightful and surprised me with how true everything in the book was. Nicholas Aretakis takes complicated subjects that are plaguing all of us college age students such as budgets, graduation, work, interviews, co-workers, investing and other topics that most of us are clueless about, and gives advice on how to handle it. The book is also written so it's very easy to read. It's written in a no B.S. style and he really tells it how it is. It includes numerous charts and spreadsheets that will help you map out your goals and plans and even sample charts on how to set up a budget and start investing. He provides answers to questions such as: "How can I get what I want out of life? How do I balance work, family, and fun? How do I gain financial independence? How do I keep myself on track? Why does it feel so overwhelming to be a 20 something heading out into the real world?" These questions and many more are all answered in this book and I really gained valuable insight.

As a graduating senior I'm in the process of looking for a job, planning my future, figuring out how to pay for everything, and planning to live on my own which can be a scary thing but this book definitely provides some good guidelines to help get you started so you don't flounder once you leave the safety net world of college. I know I have a ton of questions that I'm sure I won't know the answer to until I actually have to experience them but this book definitely gave me a head's up on how to handle those situations.

Even though this book is geared to 20 something's, I really believe a person of any age could benefit from this book because it speaks to a lot of different topics and concerns that even some 30 and 40 year olds haven't quite gotten the hang of yet. Nicholas Aretakis went cross country and interviews thousands of 20 something's and compiled and analyzed all the data and turned it into this book in an easy to understand format. It really lets you know that you're not the only one panicking and having problems but that a majority of the rest of the youth of the country has the same worries and anxieties that you have.

At the end of No More Ramen there is the chapter entitled "My 11 Must Knows" where he gives a sweeping overview of the book and his last words of advice and he does a fantastic job condensing all the information. He says that there are 4 qualities that make up a happy and balanced life: Freedom, Accomplishment, Money, and Enjoyment. Nicholas Aretakis takes them 4 pillars and explains ways throughout the book on how to achieve them. I very highly recommend this to be on every 20 something's bookshelf and maybe even their parents' bookshelves because it truly is a very useful and insightful book to read. Well done Mr. Aretakis.

Lady A. - Princeton University

This is a question I hear many of my friends who are about to graduate ask themselves. In fact, I am compelled to wonder the same concerning my own life. After reading No More Ramen, the origins of the question are no longer a mystery to me. Looking to the future, it only makes sense to wonder what tomorrow has in store. No More Ramen is extremely beneficial in helping you figure out what it is you are doing with your life. By laying out skeleton guidelines, Nicholas Aretakis helps you develop your goals for tomorrow and teaches a balance that is bound to propel you towards a successful life after college. Indeed, No More Ramen has definitely given me hope that I will not have to rely on that cheap and tasteless carbohydrate excuse for a meal, as long as I plan accordingly.

Mr. Aretakis' bountiful provision of resources prepares you for life beyond college in a way that we are never quite taught. He speaks to our demographic in a language that we can relate to, holding nothing back, and treating the very important next step of our lives with the necessary attention it deserves.

Although only a rising junior, No More Ramen is already proving useful to me as I set out on my own this summer, interning away from home. Budgeting time, money and resources, relating to coworkers; these are topics No More Ramen addresses - common sense which is not so common and which ought to be taught.

I would encourage you to grab a copy of this book for some good leisure reading that is guaranteed to help you figure out what it is you are doing with your life.

I know that as I continue to go through college and eventually start 'living' I will return to No More Ramen to use the gems of wisdom made so apparent in the book.

Matt Phillips - Purdue University

Have you ever felt as if you were growing up faster than you were ready for? Ever wished you could have someone to direct you down the right path of entering adulthood? More than likely, you're not alone. And Nicholas Aretakis realized this. His book, No More Ramen, is a paperback toolkit, if you will, for anyone preparing to enter the workforce. Even better, is the fact that his book also serves as a great reference for anyone looking to move up in their lives, whether it be managing money or going for a promotion.

Aretakis, a graduate of Columbia University, is a man that truly desires to help young adults transition into the real world working force. In order to create his "Real World Survival Guide" he personally interviewed with hundreds of 20-somethings from all over the U.S. He dug deep and unearthed nearly everything most people of this age want to know about in this crucial stage of life. From setting specific goals in life, to weighing job offers, Aretakis often times takes quotes directly from people he interviewed that people all over the U.S., and even the world, can relate to. What's even better, is the way he is so straight-forward in his recommendations. There's very little "sugar-coating" in this book. He tells you how it's most likely going to be, and the ways to make it as painless and positive as possible.

Another great aspect of this book is Aretakis' use of charts and self-tests throughout the book. These charts act as great additions that tie-in the concept of each chapter with your own personal life. By completing and truly evaluating them, the reader is much more capable of realizing their own strengths and weaknesses and taking steps to work on them. In addition to the charts, Aretakis also included dozens of extra references to consult along with his book, truly giving readers a full-circle guide to surviving any bump in the road. Overall, this book is truly a delightful, straight-forward read that sets out to answer most of the situations many young adults are faced with today. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is or knows someone that could really use some highly qualified advice on anything from jobs, to money, to balancing life.

Ashley Henderson - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Are you in college? Have you graduated recently? Are you going to college soon? If you are on your way to being in the 'real world', be prepared. No More Ramen will introduce you to important information about finding your first job, what to do when you get it, and how to balance all aspects of your life so that you can be one of the few who can honestly say 'I'm happy with what I am doing'.

Aretakis knows 20-somethings better than most 20-somethings know themselves. He goes through making your first budget and how to stick to it in plain language. This is not a textbook and it doesn't read like one. The topics aren't taught in school yet you're expected to know them in order to be successful in the world. So give this book a chance and find out what you didn't learn in school.

Vicki Hsu - Rice University

Though No More Ramen is written for "20-somethings", the book seemed to arrive at the perfect time in my life. I was 18, had just finished my freshman year at a university, and while I had begun that year feeling certain of the rest of my life, the time in a bigger and more challenging world left me questioning everything. The world beyond a diploma was a shock to face, enthralling yet confusing and daunting all at once.

No More Ramen approaches it all with a tone of understanding and yet the authority of experience. I never believed much in "how to" books and never enjoyed the idea of turning to a distant stranger's words on how I should deal with my life. But No More Ramen struck a few unexpected chords. Nicholas Aretakis writes in an easy, conversational tone that makes the book an easy read. He predicts concerns you have yet to think of and soothes them before you've had a chance to worry. No More Ramen does not give you all the answers to life's greatest questions, but it does give you the tools and starting points from which to take control and find the answers yourself.

Dionella Martinez - Rice University

Generally, I avoid self-help style books. I often find them gushy, condescending, or redundant. As a result, I usually avoid them and allow myself the satisfaction of figuring things out for myself. Thankfully, No More Ramen is not a self-help book, but a frank, open conversation about the inevitable questions most twenty-something's face at various points in their lives.

Nicholas Aretakis' book is a great resource for the real world and for life in general at almost any age. He addresses critical job related concerns, questions, and issues in a straightforward and simple manner, while interjecting sharp, witty dialogue. By cutting out all the fluff, the book is a quick and enjoyable read, and the pertinent information truly sticks in your head. Aretakis also takes an evenhanded approach to his subject matter- for every section dealing with how to get ahead or stay on top of the game; he also addressed issues of personal happiness and balance.

Personally, his use of contributions by real twenty-something's is what really made this book resonate for me. At 21, it can be hard to completely swallow the advice of a 40-something year old without feeling a little skeptical. Although when that advice is backed up by people your own age, it becomes nearly impossible to brush off.

While I am still one year away from graduating to the real world, No More Ramen has already been a huge help. Not only has it put my soon-to-be post-college life into perspective, but it has already proved valuable in regards to my current internship. No More Ramen is not a self-help book, but required reading for life.

Christine C. Tuanquin - Rutgers University

If you wanted a "tell-all" guide to plan the rest of your life, then No More Ramen is exactly what you need. Life is hard. This is an obvious fact we all find out about one way or another. The way we go about encountering life's challenges can be the key to much happiness down the road.

Graduating college is undoubtedly, a life defining moment. You may have it on your resume but if you don't have a plan for action, then no progression can be made. Planning, job preparation, and a healthy financial outlook can indeed make life a whole lot easier. These issues can be entirely overlooked when you're going to school full-time and working simultaneously just to make ends meet. No More Ramen provides goal-setting exercises and informational tools to put life in perspective. Check out Bad Plan vs. Good Plan on page 51 and the High Cost of Rent on page 184. It may not solve all the answers to your problems, but it may provide you a new and profound focus in how to lead your life.

Besides the career and financial issues, this book reinforces the idea of personal time, which is essential to happiness. Time can always be made if you are well organized and plan properly, establishing a healthy balance between your professional and personal lives. Avoid becoming a zombie while you are developing your work persona, and learn how to get the most out of life. Whether if you think you know it all or if you haven't the slightest clue on what to do, pick up No More Ramen. It's an easy read through this very difficult world we call life.

Natasha - San Diego State

Attention all soon to be adults! (A.k.a. college students), No More Ramen is actually a possibility! In all honesty, this book is phenomenal! It literally answers any and all questions us college students have once reality becomes yet another thing we have to deal with during this very stressful, yet amazing time in our lives. The book really stresses reality. It is not sugar-coated so-to-speak because the author has experienced what we are or will be going through in the near future. The author gives such insightful tips such as how to conduct a solid interview, what to wear to an interview, what a résumé should look and sound like, how to find a job that offers both growth and happiness and even how to remember the names of all the great people we will meet throughout our professional careers.

There are sections that inform the reader on how to adopt an attitude that enhances both their work ethic and promotion possibilities at the same time, something anyone looking to succeed should take note of. The book also provides readers with physical exercises and charts as to how to budget money in a way that allows us to actually put a dent in our school loans, while at the same time save money and live somewhat comfortably on our own.

However, one of the most interesting sections of the book in my opinion, was the section on health insurance, mainly because it is such an imperative issue for those of us who are about to endure entry-level jobs that probably won't offer much when it comes to benefits. In addition, the author lists countless websites at the end of each section to further help guide us in our quest for success! Thus, he does not hesitate to provide additional resources. Furthermore, he leaves the reader speechless; simply due to the fact that he touched on the most popular questions we have and left no room for confusion. Needless to say, I found the book refreshing!!! And I highly recommend it to every college student who can't stand Ramen! :)

Nikole Delair - Siena College

For those of you that are about to graduate college or have already done so, this book is a must read. My college graduation is three weeks away, and I have learned an immeasurable amount the past four years. But I never learned how to grow up. This book provides the framework for making that transition from college to the real world. For many 20-somethings, like myself, answering the question what do I want to do for the rest of my life, can be incredibly intimidating. I remember going through this same process as a high school senior trying to decide what to major in at college. If you are not sure how to find out what your goals are this book provides self-tests to understand yourself better. Aretakis provides great strategies for not only setting goals but also achieving them. We all set goals but are never really taught how to achieve them. Aretakis emphasizes the importance of fully understanding the necessary means for achieving your goals.

This book teaches you to find out if you need additional schooling, internships, or certifications to have your dream job. In most cases, achieving goals cannot be done without networking. I never really understood the importance of networking until I read this book. Last summer I tried to find a job in my college town and was completely unsuccessful. I decided to move home and I was immediately offered three jobs in the same day. I was able to get a job more quickly in my hometown because I had established a network. Aretakis teaches you how to network more efficiently. He suggests asking people for a business card, write down something about that person so you remember them better, and send a follow up email stating it was nice meeting them.

In addition to goal-setting and networking, I found the financial advice to be very helpful. I like many 20-somethings have been sheltered by my parents and do not really understand how to become financially stable. Aretakis breaks down everything you need to know to become financially secure. This book provides everything you need to know about surviving the transition from college to the real world. The real life testaments of 20-somethings in this book were comforting as it made me realize I am not the only person that is scared of growing up. The advice Aretakis gives is invaluable and every 20-something and even teens should read this book. I am assured that I will use this book as a resource for the rest of my twenties and the rest of my life.

Ran Liu - Syracuse University

This book is not only helpful to domestic students but also for international students planning to commence a career in the United States. As a Chinese national, American culture is quite foreign. Systems operate totally different from my home country. I have many questions. Why do I need to buy health insurance? What are the rules relative to the tax code? Why is time management so important, and how do I optimize my time? How do I settle into a new job? There are a lot of strategies to learn.

Before I came to this country, I never needed to worry about these issues which weren't concerns at home. But once arriving in the United States, I realized how important these situations are in daily life. I required a comprehensive explanation to all of these complex issues, which weren't taught in school. Fortunately, I found the answers in No More Ramen. It not only guides me on where to be attentive, but also the rationale behind specific strategies. It's like a "life checklist", suggesting practical exercises to address a host of important issues to balance both my professional and personal lives. I have already incorporated some of the recommendations. Other haven't been done yet, but I am glad that it is not too late to accomplish.

It is a great book and extremely helpful for people my age. The words are friendly, pervasive and concise. Some short passages serve to inspire. I now have a clearer understanding of my future. I may confront emerging challenges, but I feel much more organized and prepared since I have started thinking ahead on a host of important areas.

Faye Hayes - Texas A & M University

As a student fresh out of graduation in the U.S. and moving immediately afterward to Madrid for a low-paying, high-passion job and countless questions, I found No More Ramen a refreshing reference guide for how to proceed with life. Many books advice us about goals, but goals are something we all already have. What makes this book so influential is that in addition to suggesting goals, it provides strategies.

I was descending an escalator to the subway, and saw a young boy playing the classic game of stepping upward on the escalator while it was descending, which left him working hard, but going nowhere. I realized how easily this can happen in life, although nobody intends it, but without helpful guidelines to live by, dreams of success can easily slip into a static existence. Everybody needs a game plan. No More Ramen provides the insight and strategies of both somebody who's been there, and hundreds who are currently there. The invaluable tips given allow you to make an organized game plan appropriate to your own life, helping lead you to future success in every aspect of the word - career, academics, family, and self-happiness.

Victoria Young - University of California at Los Angeles

Let's be real. You may be graduating with honors from college or you may have cared more for beer pong than course readers. You may have no idea what to put on your résumé or you may have revised it over ten times already. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is one guarantee: the though of entering "the real world" after college makes you gulp.

Filing taxes, paying bills, and going grocery shopping have allowed us to take baby steps toward becoming "grown-ups", but graduating college…well, there's no turning back. For every worry that keeps you awake at 3 a.m. and every self-doubt that crosses your mind when you see another successful 20-something on the cover of Fortune, Nicholas Aretakis gives you an answer. After talking to hundreds of twenty-something's across the nation, he identifies what is causing college students to be so confused about our futures. Then, he answers every question a college student has lurking in the back of their minds, but has never felt was "important" enough to ask: How much fun is too much fun with coworkers? What's the best way to speak up during meetings? How do I get to where I want to go faster and stand out from the crowd? In a straight, brutally honest manner, Nicholas provides concise and thorough responses, the validity of which is based upon years and years of experience.

Instead of rushing headfirst, blindly into the real world, take a few hours to read this book. It will help you gain a deeper understanding about what you want out of life and why you are making the choices that you do. He allows you to understand yourself, which is truly the only route to living a life that will fulfill you, as a unique individual. Once you have established your goals, you will be able to find all the practical advice you need to successfully conquer them as each chapter in No More Ramen is organized to help you with the personal, professional, and financial aspects of your life.

Sauntrie Abellera - University of California at Los Angeles

The first thing I did when I held No More Ramen in my hands was look at the table of contents. The titles summed up every emotion of doubt, confusion, fear, and anxiety I had about the real world. As I enter my last year of college, quickly getting pushed to the door to the real world, I freaked out about the road ahead. No More Ramen calmed me down. Aretakis takes these real life, real emotions, real problems, and real questions and tackles them step by step. He doesn't merely tell you what to do, but shares his experiences, shares the pluses and negatives of each decision we can possibly make and leaves it up to the reader to decide what is best. He doesn't sugarcoat which I think made the book even more true to life, surely the real deal.

Throughout the book, he provides little exercises (which are downloadable from the companion website free of charge, www.NoMoreRamenOnline.com) to help readers find out what they really enjoy, what their goals are. To be honest, doing the exercises were hard. I thought I knew myself but I couldn't even pinpoint what made me happy; it was hard to think of topics that I was sincerely passionate about. I realized that I had a lot of searching to do to figure out what I want out of my life .He provides a myriad of resources that I checked out as I read the book, which were all very helpful. His tips about work, relationships, and money were all insightful. He gives examples of an impressionable resume, phone etiquette, how to budget money, the list goes on.

Everything talked about from insurance to buying a car was a reality check. There was so much I didn't know. I now feel more prepared and secure about myself and what I have to get done.

His writing was so simple, straightforward, and honest that I remember almost everything that made me go "oooh" and "aah" and there were a lot of moments of that. There was never a dull moment in No More Ramen and everything was relevant. I have a little more wisdom to conquer the real world now. I recommend this book to everyone trying to figure out what to do next in their lives. I'm even passing on the book to one of my best friends, who are going through the very common "I'm tired of eating Ramen" syndrome.

Melody Tong - University of California San Diego

No More Ramen is a 20-something survival guide for college seniors approaching graduation, new graduates, as well as any 20-something who hasn't exactly found their way into the real world yet. The book provides a complete overview of what to expect from the real world and how to tackle difficulties that occur. Over the process of months, the author conducted interviews with 20-somethings all over the nation and assembled a wide range of concerns, experiences, and struggles American 20-somethings were facing. Aretakis' survival guide addresses these issues, and strives to educate the new generation of 20-somethings on how to tackle these concerns.

The book is divided into nine chapters each focusing a different aspect of the transition between youth to adulthood. The author addresses the different issues concerning money, jobs, budgeting, planning for the future, etc. and provides insightful ways to tackle the problem. Through first hand stories, the reader are reassured if they are going through similar problems, that they are not alone. There is a good mix of reassuring the reader that it is simply a stage of the transition, dealing with the difficulties of real world realities and finding the right job combined with the strong dose of reality of the necessary procedures and tasks required to eventually succeed.

The book is a valuable tool that has the power to reassure a 20-something reader that they are not alone in their fears of failure, uncertainty in career choice or general lack of knowledge in "real world" situations. The book has the potential to be a "bible" for surviving in the real world, as it covers everything from the basics to specifics in the work place; from proper interview etiquette, dealing with raises, and how to approach a presentation or conference call.

At only 229 pages, Aretakis' real world survival guide for 20-somethings touches base on everything you might learn from a 5 hour college seminar on entering the real world. The book is a straightforward, easy read, yet still remains full of insightful and valuable information key to help with the transition from youth to adulthood, providing the answers to all those "embarrassing to ask" questions that are of extreme value. I recommend this book to anyone who has concerns about the transition, or who has already begun the transition and who still has fears or uncertainties.

Linda Leung - University of California San Diego

This book is an easy read, informative and enjoyable. It gets to the point quickly, provides enough examples and gives you reasonable approach toward your college career. For those who aren't graduating any time soon, it's a great book for snagging important internships and work experience.

It's everything you don't want to hear about the real world, but put in a reasonable and digestible format. You can absorb the information at your own pace, but they are the "common sense" principles of the working world. After completing this book, I have a better feel about what to expect after graduation.

Rachel Li - University of California, San Diego

No More Ramen markets itself as the 20-something's survival guide, and while the book will no doubt speak most resoundingly with the proverbial ramen-munching post-collegian, Aretakis' advice on such varied topics as money management, job hunting, and life balance remain relevant to all real-life novices. A ramen-eating veteran himself, Aretakis speaks with the comforting voice of one who has been there and not merely survived and lived to tell the tale - but conquered. Every 20-something knows the bewildering and frustrating uncertainty of life outside the safety net of academia and family, and Aretakis offers advice that is straight-forward, practical, and at times painfully - but necessarily - honest. By enlisting the input of hundreds of 20-somethings from coast to coast - his "co-authors," as he calls them - the result is a book carefully crafted to address the needs, questions, and concerns of real post-collegians everywhere. This book is an absolutely essential tool for the 20-something, but more than that, it is an essential tool for anyone in their 30s, 40s, and beyond who may not have completely mastered the "real world" yet - or merely wants to brush up on some solid personal and professional pointers.

Kelly Morris - University of California Santa Barbara

No More Ramen is an essential read for motivated, though slightly confused, young people. Nicholas Aretakis presents his experiences and advice in a straight-forward, conversational tone. The reader not only senses that Aretakis has the ability to effectively communicate his career-advancing knowledge, but also possesses a gift for administering advice in a friendly manner. Unlike many how to get ahead advice books, Aretakis' advice is simply presented and is applicable to ALL 20-somethings who are anxious to make the most out of their lives.

Speaking from his own experiences, as well as those of his 20-something co-authors, Aretakis addresses a plethora of important, but confusing, issues which all young people face as they embark on their own as first time adults. Aretakis primarily addresses careers. He helps guide the reader through the process of deciding upon a career, steps to attaining a position in the desired field, and ultimately how to decide if a job is the right job.

The author spends a great deal of time dispensing advice on how to balance career and personal life, and he also addresses the much less frequently thought of, but equally important, issues of insurance policies and retirement planning. I tend to be skeptical of self-help books because many that I have read all promise the world and fail to deliver insightful advice. Yet this book is different- Aretakis really does deliver! No More Ramen is an indispensable life planning book which I will recommend to my 20-something friends and refer to throughout my twenties.

Raymond Lee - University of California Davis

After reading No More Ramen: The 20-something's Real World Survival Guide by Nicholas Aretakis, my advice to prospective readers of this book is: do not be misled by the title; you do not have to be living off Ramen noodles to benefit from this book! ANYONE from the ages of 14 to 50, maybe 60, will find the information in here useful, because it covers such a wide range of topics that focus on advancing one's career as efficiently as possible.

One topic I found particularly useful was about planning: analyzing what exactly your goals are and then developing a clear, direct path to achieve that goal. There is an abundance of useful information, resources and exercises squeezed into about 230 pages, but it's not repetitive and you don't need to memorize; the topics within the chapters are divided nicely, making it easy to use the book as a reference. If you are confused about what your goals are, I highly suggest you read this book, because it will help you put your life into proper perspective.

Before I read this book, I was confused about what I really wanted to do in life, and about internships, graduate school, everything else that you hear about in college, and reading this book has helped me decide what I want to do in life, along with what steps I should take in order to achieve that. I feel more secure and confident about where I am now in life because I know I am doing what I should be doing. No More Ramen is an essential read, and the sooner you read it, the better.

Matthew Raffony - University of Central Florida

Are you a recent college graduate? Are you still in or about to begin college? Are you trying to figure out what career path you will take? Are you unsure about many issues that you will face in the real world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, than I recommend that you read No More Ramen: the 20-something's real world survival guide. No More Ramen is an extremely useful resource for recent college graduates and young Americans in general. In his book, Nicholas Aretakis gives informative tips on crucial topics such as job-hunting strategies, adjusting to the real world, time management, career path choices, managing finances, and many more. No More Ramen gives solid real advice about the topics that can seem overwhelming to young people who are starting there journey through the real world.

Aretakis interviewed hundreds of people in their 20's to find out how they felt about the issues that faced them upon starting their path to success. This is evident, by the content of the book which is extremely relevant and important to the young reader who has the same questions and concerns as the many 20-somethings interviewed. Among Aretakis' responses to these questions are illustrative charts and a wealth of links to online resources.

No More Ramen: the 20-something's real world survival guide is a book that contains important information that can be applied towards achieving success early in life. If you are old and fortunate enough to already know the things in this book but have loved ones that are not, than why not give them the gift of knowledge. As a 23 year old college graduate myself, I can say that No More Ramen is a great book filled with a lot of information that a young person needs to succeed in the real world.

Jon Dean - University of Minnesota

When Nicholas Aretakis graduated college, his uncle took him aside to give some advice. He ended up taking Aretakis shopping to get him all the cloths he would need for the beginning of his career: Plaid suits, polyester, basically what Jack Nicklaus wore to win the Masters. A month later Aretakis re-did his wardrobe. From that and many other post-graduation experiences, he learned that there really isn't anyone out there to tell you what to do, what to expect, and how to succeed after college, which is just the thing that many graduating students will soon be learning.

So some of those students will inevitably finish college and find themselves asking, "What now?" That's what Nicholas Aretakis answers in his book, "No More Ramen." Whether college seniors find themselves in the, "What should I do now" category or could just use some help, he has some good answers. Aretakis, now in his young 40s, was one of those college grads who did everything right. His peers secretly envied him but wondered how he did it, and tried to copy.

He covers the topics that we all inevitably face, and he organizes things from start to finish. Being one who likes to conquer my world one step at a time, it is helpful to begin at the "I'm so confused," state and move to the "getting the job" state then finally arrive at the "getting a grip on my new routine" state. As he starts at graduation and takes us through the transition to the real world, it feels as if he's spent years interviewing people like us. And actually he has. Reading the book, you have the feeling he knows you front to back: The challenges you face proving yourself to potential employers, the frustration you feel when they didn't see it, and the difficulty you may have spending money wisely.

As I graduated (for the first time) and headed into the workforce, I had no clue what a potential employer wanted. While reading Aretakis' chapter about getting the job, it dawned on me. During the hiring process, Aretakis tells us, employers aren't hiring based on your resume, but what they are really looking is your potential. The resume won't get you the job but will prevent you from getting an interview.

While you will find invaluable advice in this book, you will also learn that there are hard lessons that, sooner or later, everyone in our generation will have to come to terms with. This is the part where some may need to set the ego aside. According to Aretakis, and verified by me, it'll need to be done if your goal is success. After being out in the workforce for a year after college, I can tell you with absolute certainty that I would be better off now if I knew these lessons earlier.

Some of the best information in this book lies in Aretakis' words on entitlement. They definitely took me by surprise, but they are right. Similar positions were recently laid out in the Wall Street Journal and Minnesota Daily. They call our generation the "me generation" and quote research findings to say that we are 30% more narcissistic than the previous generation. Aretakis' view is that our generation feels a false sense of entitlement. Before you crow, know the rationale adds up: We are the first generation to be raised with such an abundant standard of living, and many of us have never had to really work very hard for basic necessities or, in some cases, even luxury items. Just think of how many recent college graduates moved back home with their parents. It's because they know they can't live on their own like they can with their parents. They can't get the same food, can't get the same good booze, and can't party in VIP, that is, without a room at the parent's house.

Upon hearing this, the motivation should be to manage money wisely so eating Ramen Noodles isn't your steady diet anymore (a recurring theme in the book). The "I don't know jack about money" chapter helps with this stage. It's tough to learn money lessons the hard way. When it comes to credit cards, savings, renting, and buying a house, Aretakis has the answers, and he doesn't make it hard either. Maybe the reason so many of us think it's difficult is because we're intimidated by what we don't know. No More Ramen fills in the gaps nicely.

The lessons are great, but what sets the book apart its practicality. It's nice that Aretakis tells you to live on a budget, but No More Ramen also gives you a form to use that helps you create that budget. Something else college grads struggle with is networking, and Aretakis gives practical lessons for that as well. It's more than a book, Aretakis has written a guide for the post-college years. As you flip through the guide you'll notice a spattering of maroon pages amongst the white. All the maroon pages are those practical applications for the many uncertainties a graduating student faces.

At graduation this year, it seems you have two choices: (1) Let your uncle take you shopping for clothes, or (2) Read No More Ramen.

Megan Block - University of Pittsburgh

"Oodles of Noodles"

Ramen noodles, or "oodles of noodles" as my family calls them, are a staple food for college students. As the author of No More Ramen suggests, the goal of most students is to reach that point in their life where it is no longer necessary to eat ramen noodles. This so-called "self-help" book contains the critical information, advice, and resources essential to elevating one's status from a struggling, ramen-eating college student to a successful, goal-achieving, filet mignon-eating adult.

No More Ramen teaches life-lessons that you cannot and will not learn in the classroom. Aside from the book being an easy, useful read, it is eye-opening to real world questions that all college students have about topics such as budgets, job interviews, office etiquette, goal-setting, and others. Another key aspect of No More Ramen is that it is current; the author, Nicholas Aretakis, references many situations and celebrity figures that are relatable to the 20-, 30-, and even 40-year age groups.

As a senior in college myself, I would suggest No More Ramen as a necessary read for any college student to prepare for and focus on the fast approaching "real world," but the book offers tools - spreadsheets, resources, and tips - that will be highly useful when I actually enter the "real world' in order to maintain my goals, stay focused, budget my money, and organize my time. Whether or not you enjoy self-help topics and whether or not you are preparing for the "real world," No More Ramen is a must read for anyone who wants to be successful and reach their own potential.

Dianna He - University of Pennsylvania

"I still don't know what I want to do with my life, but at least now I'm a bit less overwhelmed."

What struck me the most about No More Ramen by Nicholas Aretakis was that it was such an easy read, more casual and conversational than anything I've read in awhile. For an idea of what I mean, just take a look at some of the chapter titles-"You Told Me What to Put in this Book," "I'm So Confused," "I Don't Know Jack About Money." I appreciated the many suggestions and examples, which both allows and compels us to do something about our problems now. Throughout the course of reading this book, I sensed that the author was very in-tune with what it's like to be our age. In fact, he refers to the hundreds of conversations he's had with people in their 20s and credits them as being his "co-authors."

Props to Aretakis for writing a motivational book without being preachy, which is often a difficult task when offering advice. I found myself stopping myself every now and then, and thinking to myself huh, I've never thought about it like that. Part of what makes us so receptive to his suggestions is the straight-talk style he uses throughout. Some of my favorite examples of this include the 3-question "Friendship Litmus Test," "What Hours are People Really Working" section, and "Get Some Goals" worksheet.

No More Ramen fills in the gaps of the standard college course selection, giving us young adults a better idea of what it's really like out there in the "real world." I can definitely see myself taking advantage of the many valuable resources and advice given in this book at any stage in life.

Jessica Petrus - University of Pennsylvania

It is said that there are two ways to be smart: book smart and street smart. If you do well in the academic arena, you are said to be book smart. And "as a 20-something school is much of what you know about life." But when you finally get that degree in hand, knowing how to find the fourth derivative of an algebraic expression doesn't prepare you much for that thing we like to call the "real world." All of a sudden you're on your own and you face the shock of a 40-hour (or 50 or 60…) work week. You're trying to balance your work life and your social life and at the same time trying to figure out exactly how your salary is supposed to pay all the bills. Unfortunately, there is no fourth derivative of an electric bill. Fortunately, there is No More Ramen.

As a 20-something myself, I am facing these very issues. When I picked up a copy of No More Ramen, I honestly didn't expect that it would be able to provide me with any insights that I hadn't heard before. It didn't take long, however, before I was completely wrapped up in the book. It was such an easy read and the worksheets are incredible resources. If you can honestly fill out each of those worksheets, you are well on your way to finding the answers to those things you never learned in school. The book teaches you a lot about self-discovery and setting goals to achieve what is most important to you. It's one thing to dream big, but if you can map out each step along the way, the dream suddenly becomes so much more real. No More Ramen proved to be an amazing resource to help me plan my roadmap and manage all those little (and not-so-little) bumps along the way. This book is truly a must-read for all 20-somethings; I would recommend it to anyone!

Anonymous - University of South Florida

I came across No More Ramen when I was performing another intense job search online. Here I am 4 years after graduating with my B.A., and now with a master's and I still couldn't find a good full-time job. I picked up this book and read it in a few days as it was very easy to read and not verbose at all. I wish I had come across it sooner; like 4 years ago! I wish I could have had all those exercises before and maybe I could have avoided all of the tumultuous experiences I have had! I never learned to balance money correctly and 'walaa' bankruptcy court here I come!

Chapter 7 was extremely useful and enlightening! I realized just as the title of the chapter reads, "I don't know jack about money"! After reading this book and completing the evaluations the author has placed throughout the book (which I advise you do not skip over), I realized I was educated enough but no where near educated on the realities of life. This book gave me so much to think about and allowed me to re-analyze my present situation and goals. I recommend this book to every college student that's a few months shy of graduating. It gives you excellent resources and evaluations to really get you started on life after college. I am still eating Ramen soup today and depending on my parent's help in all aspects, but after medical school I certainly have all the right tools to be a success!

No More Ramen a must read! - Unknown University

Generally, I avoid self-help style books. I often find them gushy, condescending, or redundant. As a result, I usually avoid them and allow myself the satisfaction of figuring things out for myself. Thankfully, No More Ramen is not a self-help book, but a frank, open conversation about the inevitable questions most twenty-something's face at various points in their lives.

Nicholas Aretakis' book is a great resource for the real world and for life in general at almost any age. He addresses critical job related concerns, questions, and issues in a straightforward and simple manner, while interjecting sharp, witty dialogue. By cutting out all the fluff, the book is a quick and enjoyable read, and the pertinent information truly sticks in your head. Aretakis also takes an evenhanded approach to his subject matter- for every section dealing with how to get ahead or stay on top of the game he also addressed issues of personal happiness and balance.

Personally, his use of contributions by real twenty-something's is what really made this book resonate for me. At 21, it can be hard to completely swallow the advice of a 40-something year old without feeling a little skeptical. Although when that advice is backed up by people your own age, it becomes nearly impossible to brush off. While I am still one year away from graduating to the real world, No More Ramen has already been a huge help. Not only has it put my soon-to-be post-college life into perspective, but it has already proved valuable in regards to my current internship. No More Ramen is not a self- help book, but required reading for life.

Unknown University - Linhuang Shu

Though No More Ramen is written for "20-somethings", the book seemed to arrive at the perfect time in my life. I was 18, had just finished my freshman year at a university, and while I had begun that year feeling certain of the rest of my life, the time in a bigger and more challenging world left me questioning everything. The world beyond a diploma was a shock to face, enthralling yet confusing and daunting all at once. No More Ramen approaches it all with a tone of understanding and yet the authority of experience.

I never believed much in "how to" books and never enjoyed the idea of turning to a distant stranger's words on how I should deal with my life. But No More Ramen struck a few unexpected chords. Nicholas Aretakis writes in an easy, conversational tone that makes the book an easy read. He predicts concerns you have yet to think of and soothes them before you've had a chance to worry. No More Ramen does not give you all the answers to life's greatest questions, but it does give you the tools and starting points from which to take control and find the answers yourself.

Yale University - Emmy Anlyan

As a rising college senior, I often feel drained by my intense class curriculums and hesitate to engage in pleasure reading. However, after beginning this book, I didn't want to put it down.

No More Ramen is more than a self-help book. It is a fun and interactive read. The helpful advice is intermixed with self-surveys, charts, and testimonials from real 20-somethings. In addition to the strong content, the format of the book tailors it to the individual. The book answered my lingering questions on how to choose a career path, how to best prepare for an interview, and how much money to save each month. Then it went beyond these questions and covered topics such as the importance of setting clear goals, office dos and don'ts, advice on getting health insurance, and renting vs. buying a home.

The read was more like a conversation as I was comforted by the fact that most 20-somethings are dealing with the same doubts as me, and that there are answers to the tough questions. I have not yet graduated from college, but feel as if I am a step ahead after reading No More Ramen. I will most certainly keep this book close by as I enter the working world in my 20's, and even as I develop into a 30-something. Anyone who wants a successful career and a fulfilling life should read this book!

Virginia Tech - William Carroll

Let me begin by saying that I am not an avid reader and there are not too many books that I can painlessly make it all the way through. That being said, I made it through No More Ramen in two days.

Aretakis' writing style and tone throughout the book is very enjoyable and makes it easy for the reader to comprehend and relate to the underlying messages. The message of NMR is very goal oriented and stresses to 20-somethings that "the sooner you get thinking about your future, the sooner you can begin leading your life, instead of allowing your life to lead you."

The chapters of NMR are broken down into subsections which make for easy brief readings. This is especially valuable if you are not into reading large chunks of text at a time. In addition, there are maroon pages placed strategically throughout each chapter with very interesting tidbits of information including charts, forms (interview prep, rating employers, comparing job options, etc), and other relevant and insightful material.

The chapter that was the most informative to me was entitled "I don't know Jack about Money." In this chapter, Aretakis discusses the benefits of investing, credit card debt, budgeting, buying vs. renting, and many other relevant financial issues that college graduates inevitably face.

No More Ramen is an incredibly useful book for college seniors, graduates, or those who are already out in the "real world." Anyone could learn something from this book whether is be goal setting, job hunting, or financial management. No More Ramen is an invaluable asset that allows students to learn the important things that college left out.

Vanderbilt University - Linda Vongkhamchanh

From Ramen To Riches

How many young professionals really do have it all? You know the ones that have successful careers, a comfortable lifestyle, a thriving social life, and not to forget, complete and utter happiness. Realistically, not very many people do, especially young adults entering the workforce, or shall I say, the "real world." Is that just the pessimistic outlook of a 20 year old (of which I am) or is it actually reality?

As a senior in college, I am preparing for a drastic transition into the real world, the awfully dreaded shift in life that suddenly and brutally knocks college students out of their beloved comfort zone-four years of financial dependence, when booze and books were your biggest purchases, and it didn't matter anyway because Mom and Dad paid for it. Working also meant staying up all night to write two essays and to study for a test. That is my reality. But after 21, after the glory days of college fade, working will mean staying up until late hours of the night, committed to your job, working on extra tasks or something so tedious that your boss wants you to do, without getting paid overtime, in order to get ahead in your career. I might not have entered the workforce yet, but I have learned that going the extra mile does go a long way if you don't let it take you're your life. Nicholas Aretakis, author of No More Ramen: the 20-something's real world survival guide, mentions this reality in his "survival guide" for the 20-somethings of the world-an extensive, stubborn population full of young, intelligent individuals ready to take on the world. I easily fall into this category, wanting it all, but at the same time, fearing that I won't have it all.

Aretakis has tapped into the heads of the 20-somethings all over the nation to discover their hopes, fears, and desires. After reading his book, I have come to the conclusion that every other 20-something fears the worst but hoping for the best as I am. As a "20-something," I can safely say for us all, that the idea of getting a job, going to graduate school, being successful in either of the two, paying the rent, paying the bills, and living on our own, are the most thrilling yet most frightening things to think about on top of frantically trying to do well in school to graduate because it is just expected of you. The pressure is on and it has only begun. At the same time, as young adults, having fun is a high priority on the mental list of things to do when you enter the real world because, why not, you have all the freedom you could ever want. For us, having fun is probably as high on the list.

What makes Aretakis different from any old guy preaching to you on the street is the fact that he offers 20-somethings the "how to" instead of the "should do." What does that even mean you ask? Aretakis gives readers hands-on assignments, not the boring kinds from school, but exercises and tools that will help the confused 20-something find his niche, his passion, and ultimately his career path. Aretakis guides you through the scariest and toughest transition for a student, from your scholastic life into your professional life with some words of wisdom, real-life stories, and essential tips.

No More Ramen may be the key to unlocking the secret to a balanced lifestyle that everyone strives to obtain. However, when it comes down to it, ramen or no ramen, as fun, young, smart individuals, we really do want it all, and this real world survival guide will pave the way for it all: "freedom, accomplishment, money, and enjoyment," Aretakis' keys to balance and happiness. It's a quick and simple read to resolve some of life's difficult dilemmas.

Roshan Nair - University of Texas

Everything you wished you knew, but you were too afraid to ask. It takes a special brand of literature to get you up off your behind and inspire you to action. No More Ramen is that kind of book. It gently, but boldly addresses the questions no young person has ever wanted to be asked, and then answers them in a way that is both meaningful and relatable, in the manner of an Oracle on Spring Break. The prophet is no Delphian, but Nicholas Aretakis, a self-made man whose 40 years have seen young people make the same avoidable mistakes for generations. The new age of technology brings a new set of problems to the already-stressed 20-something. Aretakis' work, a 'real world survival guide' is based on interviews and a deep understanding of young people today. Firmly, but sensitively, Aretakis uses a combination of reason and anecdotal evidence to equip today's youth to deal with historical problems and their modern manifestations.

Best described as a 'new grad's almanac' the book begins with the basics, how to figure out what you want, and then how to convince yourself to do something about it. A process that has frustrated many a pushy parent is executed coolly, using smooth graphics and 'yuppie-speak' to convince the reader that life is there for the taking. The book then navigates through the hairy details of getting what you want-everything from interviews to retirement funds to making time to fall in love- and how not to get mired in the minutiae. As an almost-grad who actively avoided the real world by going back to school, this book was the pop-up window that reminded me to do something about my life. Reading it woke me up to the world Aretakis describes- an attainable Utopia of financial security and professional satisfaction. All it takes is a little effort. And one last bowl of Ramen.

Caitlin Collins - University of Texas

The first year out of college is probably one of the most difficult for many young adults today. For many people, these are the first years completely on your own financially and socially. No longer dipping into the family purse or tied to a pre-existing social network through school, there is a lot of freedom in that first year; but it is this very lack of attachments that also leads to angst and anxiety. Now that you're out there on your own, what do you make of yourself? How do you take the education you've invested so much time (and for many students these days, their own money) and use it to create a good life for yourself?

These are overwhelming questions for most 20-something's, which is why I highly recommend the recently published No More Ramen for anyone who is looking for their first job, becoming financially independent from family, or reevaluating his or her life goals. Written by Nicholas Aretakis, who used focus-groups to get a sense of the fears and hopes of his readers, the book combines lessons on goal-setting with etiquette and how-to's for the job search and entrance into the work place. What's more, the book encourages its readers to spend the money they make wisely so they can be ready for worst-case scenarios and a fruitful retirement. So while Aretakis asks the tough questions regarding the here and now, he also prompts readers to conceptualize their futures. This combination of short-term and long-term goal-setting fits into a theme of balance that runs throughout the book. No More Ramen, then, is not only about succeeding in the work place, but also about accomplishing personal goals and reserving time for recreation, friends, and family.

As someone who has been out of college for several years, I can relate to Aretakis' lessons and tips. Reading the guide, I looked back on my first year on my own and cringed at some of my missteps. Had I read No More Ramen, there is a good chance I would have avoided some of those errors. Still, the book's overview of other issues, such as investing for retirement, determining when to own a home, and budgeting for monthly expenses, are incredibly salient for me right now. In other words, this is a book that will be helpful throughout your twenties (maybe even into your thirties).

Of course, this book is not for everyone. If you're planning on living an ascetic lifestyle as a monk or tree-sitting in the Willamette National Forest, you may find No More Ramen less than applicable to your life; but for the vast majority of post-higher educated individuals, Ramen offers practical advice and puts those first difficult years into perspective. Check out www.NoMoreRamenOnline.com to see if the book will be useful for you. Chances are, the book won't take up much of your time and will provide you with great advice for years to come.

Caitlin Armstrong - University of Tennessee

No More Ramen was the answer to mine and my parents' prayers. I entered college at a young age meaning that I would graduate right at 20. We were always at each other's throats about what I was and wasn't ready for after graduation. Each year I've been in college, they have bought me a "self-help" career book in an attempt to help me figure out my life. I found them to be redundant and a waste of time…until I came across No More Ramen. Finally, after all the boring books about career choices and life after college, I found one that spoke to me. Aretakis' book is something that most books of its kind are not: interactive.

There are templates in the chapters that you can fill in or print off the accompanying website (www.NoMoreRamenOnline.com) in order to help you plan, more effectively, for your future. If for nothing else, you should buy the book simply for the chapter called "I Don't Know Jack About Money." This chapter helps with budgets, savings, and money in general and everyone can benefit from it…not just college graduates. Each chapter discusses important issues in a friendly, helpful, and interactive way so that the reader won't be bored. There are helpful facts like email and voicemail etiquette, office-appropriate attire, time management, interview skills, and SO much more. I encourage every parent who has ever had a disagreement with their college grad about the future to buy this book for their child. I promise they'll thank you.