Brian Selznick Quotes

You know, no one steered people's careers in those days, I don't think, like they do today.

I read a lot of books to my children, and they all seem really good. I think people have gotten really good at children's books.

A friend is someone who can help you with your career.

If it's of help to my candidates, I would like to go anywhere to give my candidates a boost.

I get e-mails daily from people asking me what major I chose in college, how I got started, what equipment I use, etc. Most of the e-mails are from young kids who are trying to figure out what they want to do when they grow up.

Many professors tell you that you'd be good at this or that, but they don't always help you with that career path.

I don't get much career advice at all, and I would like some.

I mean, I knew I wanted to do this kind of thing in school, but to actually have somebody that would bring you into that world, that was really exciting, you know?

I found in my whole career the best thing that can happen to you is that you hear what people want.

And that's another piece of advice I'll give junior writers; when you get to the point where they take you to lunch, let the editor suggest where to go.

What you want in a mentor is someone who truly cares for you and who will look after your interests and not just their own. When you do come across the right person to mentor you, start by showing them that the time they spend with you is worthwhile.

Colleagues are a wonderful thing - but mentors, that's where the real work gets done.

I reached a time in college when I didn't know what I wanted to do. At that time, women's careers were essentially nursing, secretarial and teaching. My mother advised me to get my teacher's certificate.

My dad was a businessman, and he would say, 'Work for free at the best company. Don't get paid a lot of money to work with the worst people.' And that's exactly how I see my career.

It is very kind of you to consider the possibility of my working in Pasadena, an idea which certainly is attractive, especially since it would hold out the prospect of your cooperation or advice.

A strong mentor can help a young woman find and advance in the career of her dreams that otherwise may have seemed impossible.

I didn't start working on children's books until I got a job at a book warehouse on the children's floor. When I started reading some of the books, I was so impressed.

I'd never be where I am if more successful writers hadn't taken an interest in me and done me a good turn - be it chiming in with constructive criticism or giving me sound advice about my career plan.

I can cite numerous sponsors at different places in my career that made a huge difference for me just in terms of pulling me aside and giving me a tip or some coaching, or just watching what I was doing and not being afraid to tell me the truth about it.

When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be an architect, because when I was 12 years old I had a guidance counselor that convinced me that that was the best career choice for me.

I back people who I think will be seeking help and advice. These are the best entrepreneurs.

Warren Beatty took an interest in my career at one point.

When I was still a bright-eyed McKinsey consultant, I remember hitting a point where I didn't know what to do next, and someone gave me the book, 'How Remarkable Women Lead,' and I read it and scribbled in it, and it felt like a guide in helping me figure out my career.

I read a couple of books a week. About 80 percent of what I read is contemporary literature for adults. The other 20 percent is made up of non-fiction and children's books.

If you're early on in your career and they give you a choice between a great mentor or higher pay, take the mentor every time. It's not even close. And don't even think about leaving that mentor until your learning curve peaks.