Books to Spark Career Curiosity
Helping students explore more career possibilities through books, stories and more
When I work with students and introduce them to careers they don’t know much about, one of the steps that I recommend is:
Start learning more about the world you are curious about.
A great way to do this is through stories, insights, and experiences from people who’ve lived those careers. Books, podcasts or Ted Talks are a great way to start.
Below is a list of just some of the books I’ve bought, read, or dipped in and out of over the years (I’ll admit, physics wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I love hearing how others are fascinated by it!). These reads include fiction, non-fiction, and autobiographies—ranging from classic favourites to more modern titles.
The goal isn’t just to inspire students but to help them see the good, the bad, and the surprising realities behind the careers they’re considering. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve pulled out books in psychology or economics, and the student is either fascinated or deflated by the subject within two minutes.
While a physical book is still a wonderful gift (especially with Christmas on the horizon), it’s important to remember how teens learn today. Many absorb information through podcasts, TED Talks, YouTube interviews, and audiobook platforms like Audible. So, if reading isn’t their favourite way to learn, encourage them to listen to these authors or explore YouTube.
Whether read or listened to, the aim is the same: to let teenagers explore careers in a low-pressure way so they can feel what excites them, notice what bores them, and start making clearer decisions earlier rather than later.
Fewer wrong turns, more confident choices.
💡 Do you have a recommendation to add? 💡
I’d love to hear from you. If you’ve come across a book, audiobook, podcast, TED Talk, or any resource that helped inspire a teenager (or adult) to explore a career path, please drop me a message about it. I’m always looking to grow this list! And your suggestions could help other families open doors to new possibilities.
Some great bookshops for browsing a wide range of careers related books include: Dubray, Easons, Charlie Byrnes and Kennys in Galway.
BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEUR:
Diary of a CEO, by Steven Bartlett
Covers the strategy of successes and failures and is sprinkled with psychology, philosophy, and self-development. Well structured, so it’s a book I found teens dip in and out of easily.
Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
It tells how the founder of Nike built and transformed the company and includes insights to travel, culture, sponsorship deals, and so much more. Great for a budding entrepreneur or business student.
PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, NUTRITION:
The Psychology Book by DK
Delves into the history of psychology from its initial roots in philosophy right up to modern studies of cognitive psychology. It’s visually appealing to many with diagrams, graphics, and text, so it’s an accessible and essential read for students with a strong desire to study psychology.
The 36-Hour Day by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins
A family guide, which is now in its 7th edition, covers caring for people with dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's disease. Useful insights for aspiring students in nursing, medicine, psychology, and social care.
ROAR: How to match your food and fitness to your unique female physiology by Stacy Simms
This one has been on my bookshelf for years and is well thumbed. And one I recommend to active students with an interest in nutrition, dietetics, and sports performance.
ECONOMICS, FINANCE, DATA & MATHEMATICS:
Simply Economics, by DK London
Love the DK range of books, especially how they explain theories and concepts in one page with a great mix of text, diagrams, and visuals.
Edible Economics, by Ha-Joon Chang
A mouthwatering read (literally) as it dives into food, history, and economics. Chapter titles include Carrot, Noodle, Chilli, and Chocolate, to name but a few.
How Data Helped Win the Premier League by Ian Graham
An inspiring read for anyone interested in sports, maths, physics, tech, and Liverpool FC!
MEDICAL / NURSING / MIDWIFERY:
The Prison Doctor, Dr Amanda Brown
A memoir about her career as a doctor to prisoners in the UK and an insightful read for those with an interest in medicine, social sciences, psychology, criminology, and public services.
Hard Pushed: A Midwife’s Story by Leah Hazard
All about the compassion and bravery of midwives supporting amazing soon-to-be mums in a creaking NHS.
The Story of a Heart, Rachel Clarke
Shortlisted for many non-fiction awards in 2024, this investigative journalism story covers organ donation, transplants, families' grief, and compassion while delving into the amazing dedication of surgeons, nurses, immunologists, and scientists.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING:
STEM Careers by Liz Painter
A quick reference guide that provides a wealth of career ideas. Published in 2024, so it’s relatively up to date. Highly recommend for students making subject choices for senior cycle.
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
This book dives into the field of product design and development, with an insight into why people should be at the heart of design. Great for engineering students.
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life by Chris Hadfield
Lots of insights into how Chris Hadfield helped bring the field of space science to the world. A super read, which also covers his life, commitments, and determination to pursue what mattered most.
THIRD LEVEL STUDENTS & GRADUATES:
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
I loved reading this many years ago when my eldest son was in his twenties. It’s a practical guide aimed at recent college graduates which weaves science with real life stories to uncover how they can make the most of work, love, the brain, and the body in their 20’s. Her TED Talk has over 13 million views and is also worth checking out.
And don't forget, drop me a message and I'd love to add to this list!
