Congratulations, college graduates! You survived countless late-night study sessions, an overwhelming number of exams, and the bittersweet farewells to your alma mater. Before you embark on your professional journey, it is important to equip yourself with knowledge that you may not have gained within the walls of the classroom. So, we’ve compiled a list of ten books every college graduate should read before their first job. But after spending four years of reading big and boring textbooks, you want to read more books, right? We didn’t think so. That’s what LevelUp Leader is for! All ten of these books are featured on LevelUp Leader, a leadership skills site with book summaries and exclusive videos by experts to help you get started on the right foot.
1. Crucial Conversations
Many interpersonal problems start when people disagree on high-stakes, emotional issues. In the third edition of Crucial Conversations, Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory explore what people can do and say in the moments those disagreements occur to improve their relationships, build loyalty, foster inclusivity, and reduce friction.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Today’s complex and interdependent world is plagued by numerous common human challenges, such as fear, personal stagnation, and a lack of life balance. In his renowned book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey proposes a principle-centered approach for addressing such challenges. The Seven Habits are not a “quick fix,” but a long-term commitment to universal principles with the potential to maximize personal and professional success and happiness.
3. Atomic Habits
In Atomic Habits, James Clear explains how his dedication to bite-sized results paid off. More impressive than his turnaround are the principles he’s learned. Clear shares a step-by-step plan that athletes, leaders, and anyone who desires to perform better every day can use to create lasting, meaningful progress.
4. The Work-Life Balance Myth
In today’s busy world, many people feel that their work and personal lives are out of balance. In The Work-Life Balance Myth, David J. McNeff shares the Seven-Slice Method—a new way to contextualize your life and manage stress. This technique will enable you to live in each part of your life, leading to greater harmony every day.