5 Books To Help Jump-Start Your Career

1. “The 50th Law” by 50 Cent and Robert Greene

As a huge supporter of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, this book’s release instantly drew me in. Jackson has an interesting story and provides thoughtful pieces of information, with his co-author Robert Greene, to show how he overcame the different challenges he faced growing up in poverty to achieve the success and fame he has today. Although many of us do not come from poverty, the prevailing theme in this book revolves around overcoming our most innate feeling as human beings: fear. Greene and Jackson offer ways to overcome fear and the rewards that come from doing so.

2. “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor nails home an important concept that many people take for granted. You must first be happy with yourself, and your current condition, to fully enjoy the success you may obtain in the future. Some of the most successful people in the world are also said to be the most miserable. Status and money alone will not make you happy. Achor provides firm research in psychology to prove his point for readers who are more science-oriented. This is a good read that keeps your head in the right place as you strive to reach your goals in life.

3. “From Fantasyland To The Rat Race” by Scott O' Neil and Eric Hinds

Scott O’Neil and Eric Hinds offer real stories about their time in the business world. Applicable to all professions, the authors remind readers that the real world is a tough place that can be rough for those who do not expect it. They also remind readers that everyone looks out for themselves first and foremost, as you should, and to keep this in mind. They also offer useful tips to avoid in the workplace to reap your professional potential.

4. “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey

I was required to read this book’s predecessor in high school. That book was geared toward teens. As a slacker in high school, I was reluctant to read any book, and this one was no different. However, after giving the book a fair shot, I found it to be extremely helpful and I have applied some of its principles throughout my college career. The most recent book, geared more towards adults, has the same structure of the first one and is just as entertaining. Stephen Covey uses the same anecdotal messages in the adult edition as he did in the teens version. Covey provides real world scenarios, which gives the book a novel-like structure.

5.  “To Sell is Human” by Daniel Pink

If you can sell in life, whether it be knives, tickets to a sporting event or new products, there is an opportunity to make money. In a similar fashion, young professionals must sell themselves to potential employers. Daniel Pink provides readers with some tips such as the right things to say in your elevator pitch, ways to make your message clearer and much more. This is a helpful book for both people in sales and those who are seeking a career in other avenues.