The most recommended career books

Who picked these books? Meet our 31 experts.

31 authors created a book list connected to career, and here are their favorite career books.
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Book cover of The Staff Engineer's Path: A Guide For Individual Contributors Navigating Growth and Change

James Stanier Author Of Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager: How to Be the Leader Your Development Team Needs

From my list on engineers that want to become fantastic managers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since my teenage self stumbled into the world of computer programming, I’ve been fascinated by how technology is built. This isn’t limited to just how the software or hardware is architected; I’m just as fascinated by how teams and companies work together in order to get the job done. I’m currently Director of Engineering at Shopify, and previously I helped grow Brandwatch from start-up to scale up to successful acquisition. Along the way I’ve blogged what I’ve learned and have published two books: one being the subject of this list, and the other being Effective Remote Work. I live in Cumbria, UK.

James' book list on engineers that want to become fantastic managers

James Stanier Why did James love this book?

It heartens me to see that more and more excellent material is being produced about how to be an effective senior individual contributor, and Tanya’s book is a fantastic guide for growth-minded engineers that want to become technical leaders in their organization.

More importantly, as a manager, you get a blueprint of how to turn your senior engineers into true leaders and partners.

I almost see this book as a sibling of my own that I wrote for managers: it skillfully dances between making yourself better, making your team better, and making your company better. Essential reading for any senior engineer to understand what lies ahead.

By Tanya Reilly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Staff Engineer's Path as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For years, companies have rewarded their most effective engineers by suggesting they move to a management position. But treating management as the default (or only) path for an engineer with leadership ability doesn't serve the industry well. The staff engineer path allows you to contribute at a high level, with more free time to drive big projects, determine tech strategy, and raise everyone's skills.

With this in-depth book, author Tanya Reilly shows you ways to master strategic thinking, manage difficult projects, and set the standard for technical work. You'll learn how to be a leader without direct authority, how to…


Book cover of Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women

Natalia I. Kucirkova Author Of Inspirational Women in Academia: Supporting Careers and Improving Minority Representation

From Natalia's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Professor Innovator Multilinguist Harp- and piano player

Natalia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Natalia I. Kucirkova Why did Natalia love this book?

This book positions itself as an authoritative and guide and is filled with practical tools, strategies, and advice, delivered in a coaching and mentorship style.

Designed for training and mentoring sessions, it offers a refreshing perspective on female leadership. The author provides empowering tips to boost women's self-esteem and unleash their creativity. The writing is energising. Central to its guidance is the assertion: "If you don't promote yourself, no one else will" â€“ a potentially tough but genuine truth. 

By Octavia Goredema,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Prep, Push, Pivot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Advance your career with this insightful playbook for underrepresented women

In Prep, Push, Pivot, award-winning career coach and author Octavia Goredema delivers an indispensable career coaching guide for women looking for a new job, dealing with job loss, pivoting to a new career, or returning to the workforce after an extended absence.

You'll discover practical strategies you can implement at crucial times during your career, ensuring your considerable talents and skills are used to their full potential. In this important book, you'll:

Discover your true worth, cement your career values, and carve out a realistic and aspirational career plan Learn…


Book cover of Career Development For New College Students: How to Find the Right Career Path and Get the Job that Makes You Happy

Zakiya Akerele Author Of Dump Your Degree: How to Repurpose Your Education, Control Your Career, and Gain Financial Freedom

From my list on managing your career and finances after college.

Why am I passionate about this?

Many degree holders experience career and financial challenges they aren't prepared to handle. I know this first hand because after completing my Ph.D., I faced joblessness and massive student loan debt, and after becoming a professor, I saw my students encounter similar situations. This prompted me to write, Dump Your Degree: How to Repurpose Your Education, Control Your Career, and Gain Financial Freedom. My mission is to provide tangible solutions to students and early career professionals so that they stop solely relying on their degrees but instead learn how to use the sum of their knowledge, skills, and talents in unique ways to create meaningful, viable careers.

Zakiya's book list on managing your career and finances after college

Zakiya Akerele Why did Zakiya love this book?

For many, choosing a career path feels like the sole reason for going to college. The pressure is high, and you think you have to have it all figured out immediately. What do you do to help you make those tough decisions? Mike Sun's book offers a step-by-step guide on choosing the right career path while in school and, more importantly, making it a career you enjoy. Career Development for New College Students walks you through job exploration, self-discovery, and career goal setting so that you are well-prepared for the road ahead. 

By Mike Sun,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Career Development For New College Students as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Worried about your professional future? Feeling lost or intimidated by your options? You’re not alone…

When you were a child, people probably asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

As a kid, you may have had all sorts of answers to that question.

An astronaut, a ballerina, a veterinarian – the possibilities are endless. But as you get older, it becomes clearer that deciding what you want to do with your life isn’t as simple as it seems.

Sure, there are many career pathways open to you. In fact, there are so many options that…


Book cover of The Staff Engineer's Path: A Guide For Individual Contributors Navigating Growth and Change
Book cover of Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women
Book cover of Career Development For New College Students: How to Find the Right Career Path and Get the Job that Makes You Happy

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