33 business books every professional should read before turning 30

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Your 20s are the time when you lay the foundation for your career and finances, which means there's plenty to learn along the way.

To help you figure out how to navigate the professional world and set yourself on the right trajectory, we've rounded up some of our favorite business books.

They include career guides, business memoirs, and academic research on how to maximize your time and network.

Here are the business books we think every professional should read before turning 30.

Drake Baer contributed to this post.

'So Good They Can't Ignore You' by Cal Newport

Some of the most common advice you'll hear when you're starting out is that if you pursue your passion, the money will follow.

But there's a big caveat to that, argues Newport, an author and a professor. For most people, he says, mastery of a certain skill can lead to finding your passion, since it can open new doors and allow you to progress in your career.

He's not suggesting you give up on your dreams. Rather, ensure that you pair them with a dose of reality and make yourself valuable in the marketplace.

Find it here >>

'The Black Swan' by Nassim Taleb

People love the illusion of certainty provided by predictions.

In "The Black Swan," investor-philosopher Taleb diagnoses the way people misguidedly lean on prediction as a way of moving through the world, and reveals how the most structured of systems are the most vulnerable to collapse — like the financial system in 2007.

It's rare to find a book that will change the way you think about the world. This is one such book.

Find it here >>

'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg

Regardless of whether you agree with Sandberg's theories on gender and society, "Lean In" is a must-read for anyone looking to join the conversation around women and leadership.

In the book, she combines compelling research with moving personal stories to examine how women can sometimes unintentionally undermine their professional progress. Moreover, she offers guidance for women and men looking to promote women's career success.

It's a work that will make readers of any gender question their assumptions about what it really takes to succeed — and be satisfied — at work.

Find it here >>