Shifting into “high gear” was the main focus of a discussion led by two female co-authors about their book that aims to help college students succeed after graduation.

Amy Howell and Anne Deeter Gallaher, co-authors of “Students in High Gear,” said they wrote the book in order to help students navigate the transition from college to career by “shortening the learning curve.”

Deeter Gallaher, CEO and owner of Deeter Gallaher Group, explained that “shortening the learning curve” means minimizing the time it takes students to get into the workforce at the job they want.

“We don’t really want you taking 18 months to figure out what jobs you should even be considering to apply for,” Deeter Gallaher said. “Based on our thirteen chapters there’s a lot of tips and advice and a pathway to make sure you maximize your four years in college.”

Howell, CEO and owner of Howell Marketing in Memphis, said “high gear” is when a person maximizes their efforts in everything they do.

“We feel that if you just try your best in everything you do, that’s high gear,” Howell said. “Whether that’s learning to play the piano or playing sports, [it’s] just doing the best you can do and learning from your mistakes.”

Another major point of discussion for Howell and Deeter Gallaher was “connecting the dots” as a way for students to leverage their resources and land a job after graduation.

“Connecting the dots is really taking what you know and people you know and marrying those so that you can get a better job or you can get an internship,” Howell said.

As an example of “connecting the dots,” Howell and Gallaher suggested students reach out to their local chamber of commerce or fundraising committees in order to network with people of “influence and affluence.”

“That’s where the decisions-makers are,” Deeter Gallaher said. “When you serve on those committees, then you really get to connect some serious dots.”

Howell and Deeter Gallaher will be signing copies of their book on Nov. 11 from 4-6 p.m. at the TCU bookstore.

More details about the book and information about the authors can be found here.