I was recently invited to attend a volunteer event for which the host asked everyone to bring books to donate to a domestic violence shelter. Donating books is a wonderful thing to do, and I enjoyed going through my shelves deciding what to give away.
The process also reminded me which books I couldn’t bear to part with. While many favorite novels and memoirs top this list (A Farewell to Arms, Bird by Bird, Netherland), it won’t surprise you that my career books are very important to me. As I went through my collection, I came up with this list of my 10 favorite career books for young professionals. Here they are, in alphabetical order by title:
- A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink
Essential reading about the skills that will dominate in the new economy - Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
My favorite book on figuring out what to do with your life - Getting from College to Career by *me*
Of course I had to include my own book! I wrote the guide I wish I’d had when I was in your shoes. It includes everything I’ve learned along my professional path so far. - Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty
How you write is how you are perceived. This book is the best modern writing primer I’ve seen. - Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
The best book on networking at any age, in any profession - Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois Frankel
Like having your own personal career coach - Roadtrip Nation by Mike Marriner and Nathan Gebhard with Joanne Gordon
A fun, insightful look into a wide variety of career paths - The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
An absolute must-read for anyone who wants a creative career - They Don’t Teach Corporate In College by Alexandra Levit
The best book on thriving as a young professional in the corporate world - Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler
The ultimate guide to setting and reaching your goals over the next 12 months
What are your favorite career books? Please share in the comments!
