20 Skills That Get You Hired.
Dr. Michael Baptiste spent 30 years in business, hired hundreds of people, and watched too many talented graduates fail — not because of what they knew, but because of what they lacked. This book changes that.
Trusted by students across universities nationwide
349
Pages of real-world career wisdom
20
Vital soft skills for career success
30+
Years of entrepreneurial experience
What's inside
The problem. The book.
The path forward.
Hard skills get you the interview. Soft skills get you the job.
Most graduates leave college with strong technical knowledge but struggle in the real world. Employers aren't just testing what you know — they're evaluating how you communicate, collaborate, and carry yourself. Dr. Baptiste bridges that gap.
Learn more20 skills. Real experience. No fluff.
From self-discipline and goal setting to critical thinking and personal values — each chapter is built on 30 years of firsthand business experience, not textbook theory. Dr. Baptiste has interviewed and hired hundreds of people. He knows exactly what employers want.
Learn moreAll 20 chapters
Every skill you need.
Nothing you don't.
The chapters aren't in a specific order — navigate to the skills you need most and start building from there.
Watch
How the Value Formula Proves Your Worth
Dr. Baptiste breaks down the simple formula that shows employers — and yourself — exactly what you bring to the table.
About the author
Dr. Michael Baptiste
Author, Educator & Career Coach
"I want to be the mentor I never had and help students in their path to success."
Dr. Baptiste has owned ten businesses across sports, retail, and food over a 30-year entrepreneurial career. He holds a doctorate in business, and has taught business and career development at universities including the University of Alabama, Full Sail University, Upper Iowa University, and Florida Gulf Coast University. He wrote this book to be the mentor he never had.
Reader results
They did it.
You can too.
"Dr. Baptiste's insights on soft skills completely changed how I approached my job search. I stopped focusing only on my resume and started working on how I showed up. I landed my first role within weeks."
Recent Graduate
Business Administration
"The chapter on Commitment vs. Interest hit me hard. I realized I was interested in success but not truly committed. That mindset shift made all the difference in my interviews."
Career Changer
Marketing Professional
"I've read a lot of career books. This one is different because it comes from someone who has actually hired people, run businesses, and lived these principles. It's not theory — it's real."
MBA Student
Graduate Program
Verified purchase reviews
Amazon Reader Feedback
5.0
26 reviews on Amazon
Outstanding content!
"This book is extremely helpful teaching the soft skills employees are missing in today's work force."
Carlj
Great read! Highly Recommend!
"One of my favorite chapters was Chapter 8, Communication. This chapter connects directly to my job search and preparing to enter the workforce after graduation. Being able to clearly explain my experiences has shown me that strong communication can make a difference in whether you stand out or not."
Brandon Delaney
Favorite Chapter of Becoming Employable
"My favorite chapter was Chapter 9, Collaboration. A strong lesson is that collaboration is so crucial not only in our everyday lives but also in the workplace. The importance of trust as the foundation of effective collaboration really stood out to me."
Avery Boucher
Great read for college students!
"Chapter 13, 'Take 100% Responsibility', really grabbed my attention. Blaming other people for your own actions takes away your ability to fix the issue. This chapter reminded me that I need to take control of my responsibilities and take accountability for mistakes — that is the only way I will be able to grow."
Harleigh Whalen
Great Read
"My favorite chapter was Chapter 2, Self-Discipline. The idea that success more often depends on discipline than talent is so true. In golf, everyone starts from square one and you just have to want it more than everyone else. By improving my discipline now, I feel like I will be even more ready for any big opportunity that comes up."
Martin R Provino
GREAT PICK!
"Dr. Baptiste writes like someone who has actually been in the real world, not just someone listing tips they found online. The chapters are easy to get through and the advice feels practical — like stuff you can actually use, not just highlight and forget. The 30-day challenges at the end of each chapter are a nice touch too."
Sofia
Must read
"My favorite chapter was Chapter 4, Positive Attitude. The idea of holding a positive state of mind — expecting good things to happen and turning bad situations into opportunities — really relates to my life. I could have easily had a bad mindset, but I looked at it positively and motivated myself to finish strong."
Bailey
Amazing Read!
"My favorite chapter was Chapter 2, Self-Discipline. It talks about taking responsibility in your career — you should not wait for your supervisor to constantly remind you about a deadline. In the sports industry it is already so competitive, so being able to realize what you're responsible for should already be in your mind."
Kim Keebler
Great Book for Motivated Professionals
"My favorite chapter was Chapter 5: Self-Confidence. The most impactful lesson is to think of things you are good at in times of self-doubt. Doing this can help me have a more positive mindset, which will help with self-confidence and my long-term career success."
Christian Trento
Great Read for Students!
"Chapter 2 really spoke to me as I pride myself on being disciplined. The quote, 'discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most,' sums up discipline perfectly. Especially in this day of age with phones and social media, we have a hard time delaying our gratification and being patient."
Dylan Odud
MUST READ FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS AND ANYONE WANTING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER!!
"I found tremendous value in each chapter. Chapter 1, Create a Personal SWOT Analysis, has invaluable information for someone interviewing for a job. I plan on reading the book throughout my career because it has invaluable information that you do not learn in college."
Claire in Pennsylvania
VERY INSIGHTFUL: Self-Discipline (Ch2)
"This chapter was eye-opening for me as I was reading. I was able to see exactly where I lack self-discipline and even relate to how it is affecting both my personal and professional life. Overall this chapter was incredibly insightful — not only does it offer why self-discipline is essential but it outlines how to become more self-disciplined."
Jenna
GREAT INSIGHT AND ADVICE
"The most impactful lesson from Chapter 7 is the importance of putting in the work, showing up, and genuinely caring in order to be successful. Success is not handed to you — consistent effort and dedication are essential. This resonates with my life as a student-athlete where hard work and earning your spot are crucial."
Shannon
Self Discipline
"Chapter 2 is a powerful exploration of the crucial role self-discipline plays in personal and professional growth. The idea that self-discipline is not innate but can be cultivated through intentional practices is both encouraging and empowering. The practical advice, combined with a motivational tone, makes this chapter an invaluable resource."
James Hetzel
Goal Setting and Its Importance
"The most important takeaway from Chapter 10 was seeing how many elements it takes to create goals. Being able to identify 20% of my own goals can help me accomplish and gain 80% of the benefits. Being thorough with my goals will help me achieve them in my future career path."
Lizbeth Navas-Raudales
This book helps you find your best self and become employable! Great Read!
"Chapter 4, Positive Attitude, resonated with me the most. Keeping a positive attitude on the ice and in the classroom has always helped me succeed. Looking at failures as challenges and trying to fix them rather than fear them will help me in the years to come."
Robert Crum
A Book that EVERYONE Should Read
"The most impactful lesson from Chapter 5 was the importance of self-confidence in achieving success. The chapter's advice on practices like positive affirmations and visualizing your success will help me develop the mental toughness needed to advance in the competitive world of sports. Amazing book!"
Luis Bermudez
Great advice for everyone of all ages!
"I found a lot of value in Chapter 6, 'The Distinction Between Commitment and Interest'. He explains how interest is necessary to start your goal, but it means nothing when you don't commit to it. After reading this chapter I decided to stop letting fear and doubt control my life."
Savannah Beasley
Commitment vs. Interest
"I really enjoyed Chapter 6. I never saw the difference before, but after reading this, I now view interest as a potentially negative, toxic trait compared to commitment. In the competitive sports industry, small things like this make you stand out and help you climb the ladder within an organization."
Giovanni Lugo-Trejo
Great self-help book! It really prepares you for the professional world.
"Chapter 4, Positive Attitude, made it clear just how important one's mindset can be to cultivating a successful result. Dr. Baptiste noted how staying positive during an interview could be the make-or-break moment of one's career. Being positive can truly change the outcome of a situation."
Sophia Kruszewski
Great for Young Adults
"The chapter that most resonated with me was Chapter 18: Personal Values. The emphasis on the importance of personal values is crucial in one realizing their own perception of the world. I know that in the future I will purposefully seek out organizations that make me feel like I am positively impacting my community."
RayAnna Howard
Great book. It makes you reflect on situations in your life.
"I genuinely thought it was a very direct way of talking to the reader and it connected with me and my personal life. Having a positive attitude is a skill, and it is one that is hard to master. If you change your mindset, failure is a good thing — it teaches you what you didn't know and prepares you even more for the future."
Dagoberto
Worth the read!
"Great read! Worth the read for all professionals. In this changing world this book offers some great techniques and advice for all demographics. The best part — it's intriguing too!"
Jeffrey S.
Well thought out with great advice
"This is a very eye-opening book. Chapter 2, Self-Discipline, emphasizes that the time you take to focus on your goals will only benefit you to be one step closer to them every day. I enjoy how the chapter shows there are ways to become more disciplined like having consistency, setting mini milestones, and reviewing your day."
Mikaela Shendock
Good advice for a small price
"Becoming Employable not only gives tips on how to stand out in a competitive job market but also encourages the reader to conduct a personal SWOT analysis. Dr. Baptiste's 'take-charge' attitude compels the reader to take an honest and humble look at their inner traits and make the decision to succeed."
J&J
Great info for career & life success
"I would highly recommend Dr. Baptiste's book to other business owners to have their employees read it as well. The 20 vital skills for career success will help your employees be more cognizant of what is needed to help drive your company forward. If you are willing to follow Dr. Baptiste's process, you will have greater opportunities for success in whatever career path you are heading down."
Micah J Kelley, CRPC
Your next chapter starts here.
Get the book, take the course, or sign up for one-on-one coaching with Dr. Baptiste. The tools you need to stand out are right here.
When students enroll in Becoming Employable on Teach Club, they get:
- 7 modules, 22 lessons — Walk from self-knowledge through mindset, planning, communication, ownership, standing out, and mock-interview prep
- Personal SWOT Analysis — Self-awareness and values work so students know their strengths and close skill gaps before the next interview or promotion
- Practical systems — Self-discipline, time management, organization, and goal setting so they become the reliable person employers keep and promote
- Communication training — Clear communication, following and giving instructions, asking better questions, and collaboration
- 100% ownership mindset — A shift from "doing the job" to taking full responsibility and adding value beyond the job description
- Personal competitive advantage — Tools to build a standout edge and a Kaizen habit of continuous improvement
- Career Resource Bank — A project they can actually use in job search and on the job
- Mock interview prep — Practice the skills in a real hiring context
- AI-adaptive learning — Lessons, quizzes, checkpoints, and an AI learning coach that adjust to their level
Self-paced on any device · $19.99/month · Cancel anytime