Check out these Jopwell-recommended Books for Career Inspiration

World Book Day is a great moment to highlight reads in all genres that get our imaginations going, but you every day is, of course, a great opportunity to open a new text — especially if you’re looking for career inspiration.

With so much talk about finding a mentor, a sponsor, networking opportunities, and everything in between, it can be easy to feel out of the loop if your professional community is still pretty small. That doesn’t mean you’re totally disconnected; instead, you might find that books serve as gateways to the people you admire in a different way.

Books on work and careers can often be a safe place to examine your professional fears, anxieties, and aspirations, as well as to get advice on how to keep pushing. They’re a reminder that not only are you not alone, but your concerns are so relatable that they’ve merited hundreds of pages of thought and exploration.

Ahead, a few Jopwell team members share the career books that have revved them up, made them think, and moved them forward.

A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer

Chris Gooding: “By having ‘curiosity conversations’ with individuals in different walks of life, Brian empowered himself with the perspective he needed to create a career in the major motion picture industry. This book illustrates how curiosity acted as a superpower that unlocked opportunities across Grazer’s career. I believe we can all tap into this superpower to learn more about each other and the opportunities that can unfold just by asking questions.”

Earn It!: Know Your Value and Grow Your Career, in Your 20s and Beyond by Mika Brzezinski with Daniela Pierre-Bravo

Dannielle Romoleroux: “Daniela Pierre-Bravo has an amazing story about how she landed her dream job, and in this book, she and Mika Brzezinski offer young professionals the tips and inspiration they need to launch into career success.”

Leapfrog: The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs by Nathalie Molina Niño

Dannielle Romoleroux: “Nathalie Molina Niño’s book speaks to a different kind of entrepreneur, one who doesn’t come from wealth or connections to the VC/startup world. Regardless of whether you’re trying to start your own business or leap into a different company, you’ll receive incredible life hacks for your professional development.”

Leadership & Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute

Ryan Williams: “This is an introspection-inducing book that shows how self-justification and self-deception are major blockers to effectiveness and fulfillment, both professionally and personally.”

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Ray Chen: “This book shows how individuals can use the thought process typically employed in product design (hypothesizing, testing, and iterating) to find a meaningful life and career path. There are really helpful practical exercises that help you organize your thoughts and explore what motivates and energizes you.”

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Sivona Blake: “Oprah speaks on the lessons she learned while navigating life and success. She takes a deep dive on her experiences, good and bad, and explains how they impacted and shaped her into the mogul she is today. She provides insight into how others can find clarity in their own careers and lives, as well as find gratitude, resilience, and power.”