Careers Clinic: 5 Books To Help You To Grow Your Career

September tends to be one of those months, almost a mini New Year when we turn our attention to getting things done, putting thoughts into action and activating plans. If career change, transition or progress is on your list educating yourself is vital. Here at A Career to Love HQ we love nothing more than a good read which is fun, exciting and insightful but above all informative.

What you learn: How to brand your career as an employee or a business owner.

Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill it in your Career. Rock Social Media by Aliza Licht.

With a title like that what’s not to be gained from reading this book. Licht, the brainchild behind DKNY PR Girl and named by Time as one of the ?Six Women Who Rule the Fashion World?, shares her career story in this enjoyable read. A brilliantly practical, insightful and honest guide to growing your career it is also an interesting behind the scenes look at the fashion world. With chapters like ?Surviving People & Politics?, ?Being Your Own Publicist? and ?Making Cocktails Count? Licht, shares her golden rules for success, personal branding and getting ahead in your career. One of my all-time favorites.

What you learn: How to improve your performance and learn from apparent failure.

Black Box Thinking: Marginal Gains and the Secrets of High Performance by Matthew Syed.

If you want to progress in your career, if you are a c-suite manager or have desires in that direction this book is for you. A new approach to high performance with pragmatic insights into how success actually happens this is a must read. Full of real-world examples, case studies, and practical tips this book, without a doubt, will help you find your edge in the complex and fast-changing world of careers, business or entrepreneurship.

What you learn: How to set career goals and what to do to achieve them.

Ambition. Why It’s Good to Want More and How to Get it by Rachel Bridge.

Ambition, a sometimes misunderstood word, is given a makeover in this short but brilliant book. Explaining why it is ok to want more, to push yourself to achieve and to understand your motivation for doing so Bridge, gives actionable tips on how to use your talents to grow your career. Every chapter contains readily accessible exercises and real life examples from those that have got ahead. A book that you can read from cover to cover or dip in and out of when you need advice.

What you learn: How to bridge the gap between theory and practice to grow your career.

What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School by Mark H. McCormack.

This book, a golden oldie published in 1986 and since updated, is written by one of the most influential marketers in modern times. McCormack, owner of IMG a global marketing firm across sports, fashion and media, shares insider knowledge and sound, implementable advice that you can readily apply to grow your career. Although a little heavy at times, it gives common sense, street smart tips on getting ahead, standing out from the crowd, creating an impression and negotiating.

What you learn: How to apply your innate creativity to find a career you love.

The Element. How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson with Lou Aronica.

If you are stuck in a career rut or not sure what your next professional move is Ken Robinson offers insight for anyone who feels frustrated and can’t explain why. Lighthearted and with a sense of humour, Robinson, describes in clear and concise language how it is possible to use your unique talents to achieve everything you are capable of. This book will help you to reconnect with your career while lifting your spirit. If you don’t feel like reading the book check out his TED.com talk on this very topic.

By Sinead Brady

@CareertoLove