After a semester of readings, textbooks and cases, sometimes curling up with a good book is much needed. Finding a good book or two is must-have for the winter months. There are many good books for students and young professionals that are readily available online, in books stores, and even in your campus libraries!
Staples
There are so many books that should be considered staples for anyone and everyone. These books are timeless and relevant across fields. Especially for students and new graduates, these books can help you connect with others and might even change your perspectives along the way. “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, like all of his books, reveals many secrets relevant to students and young people moving into the workforce. Outliers is a must-read, perhaps because of the brilliant situations or people presented in the book, but it continues to be a relevant book in all fields of life. Each chapter focuses on a different tidbit or tale focused around success, and each of them are extremely well-formed. You have to follow up Outliers with the rest of Gladwell’s works including his newest “Talking to Strangers” or switch to William Thorndike Jr. to look at “The Outsiders”.
Female Focused Books
For women moving into the workforce, there are many reads that will have you turning the pages over winter break. This sub-genre has grown tremendously and has so many great reads coming out. Maja Jovanovic, a McMaster professor and television personality affectionately known as ‘Professor Maja’ has a stellar book called “Hey Ladies, Stop Apologizing!”. Similar to “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office”, the book looks to identify and help common faults that female professionals face. Both books look at the unconscious things women do as a result of societal norms and how to put a stop to it! Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming” is also a relevant read in this section. In her memoir, we get to follow her journey to becoming THE Michelle Obama and learn how she found her voice and purpose along the way.
Business Books
For students looking at business in any regard for their career path, here are a few you should have on your reading list.. Good books to start your reading are “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg. Collins explores how good companies become great ones, but a lot can be applied to individuals. Sandberg examines women’s progress in achieving leadership roles, why it has stalled and offers compelling, common-sense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential. The Graduates version has a LOT of career advice!
Old School
There are certain classics on every reading list. Certain books come well recommended by many people because they can be applied to anyone and are always relevant. Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is never out of style. It’s no secret that business is formed on strong relationships. But so is university classes, group work, sports teams and really anything you do in your life. This book helps readers to work on interpersonal communication and relationship management. Finally, “Art of War” by Sun Tzu should be read by everyone and anyone. The book is attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu. It explores 13 aspects of warfare and how each can apply to military strategy and tactics by taking the time to read and analyze, you can see the relevance in your life!
We all hand unique motivations for reading, as well as different tastes. There are so many great books, both new and old, however, this list is a good start for your winter reading list. So cozy up, grab a book and get reading!