Must Read Books for MBA Students and Aspirants in 2024-25

Must Read Books for MBA Students and Aspirants in 2024-25

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Nov 14, 2024 11:15 PM IST

Must Read Books for MBA Students: Reading habits are vital for MBA students. Reading not only helps students prepare for MBA entrance exams, but it also broadens their awareness of various sections of life and improves their administrative abilities. Exploring the best books for MBA students offers them new perspectives and environments, increasing their understanding regardless of their background or charges. In his article by Careers360, we have created a list of the top ten best books for MBA students that students should read to complement their learning process and provide them with the insights they need to become successful managers in the future. By incorporating these resources into their study routine, candidates can improve their exam preparation and gain a competitive edge in their MBA journey.

MBA Students Must Read Books

Do you think you have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a top business school (Bschool), and are you ready to call scenes? The B-school curriculum does not teach you everything you need in real life. It makes your corporate world smart. So, look beyond your MBA study and preparation materials.

MBA Books also serve as a window to explore the thoughts of a particular genre of experts and then communicate your ideas and thoughts with the author. The list covers a variety of topics in MBA books to read and will help you understand the theoretical concepts you read in classroom practice.

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Top Must-Read MBA Books for Students and Aspirants

Here is a list of some old and some new books. We think that will have an effect. These self-study MBA books are appreciated as “a must read” by many around the world. These personal MBA Josh Kaufman books are about entrepreneurs, the real-life corporate situation, turning businesses, and much more.

Please note, the list below is not provided in any order or rank.

1621062075858

Name: Freakonomics

Author: Stephen J. Dubner, Steven D. Levitt

Year: 2005

Freakanomics is a collection of ‘economic’ articles exploring unusual and diverse subjects that have not traditionally been covered by economists for 80 minute MBA preparation.

The book explores the inner workings of the truth about real-estate agents, a crack gang, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and so on. The stories present as a study of the economy, at the root, of incentives.

1621062074779

Name: Straight From the Gut

Author: Jack Welch

Year: 2005

Learn about how “the world’s toughest boss” Jack Welch transcended conventional wisdom and turned General Motors (GE) into a slim and average machine of growth and corporate innovation.

In the 1980s, Welch (known as the Neutron Jack) laid off more than 100,000 workers. In the book, he reveals the facts behind this process, the difficult decisions involved, and how he created GE as one of the most successful companies in the world.

1621062075432

Name: How to Win Friends and Influence People

Author: Dale Carnegie

Year: 1936

This book for visual MBA, published about 85 years ago, is still a bestseller. The book teaches the importance of communication at work, how to deal with people, ways to create people like you, and more.

It talks about how enlightened people achieve each other’s performance, gain holistic perspectives and express ideas in ways that are heard. To date, the book has sold more than 17 million copies.

1621062074197

Name: A Never Before World

Author: Rama Bijapurkar

Year: 2013

‘Never Before India’ is a perfect book for the personal MBA master the art of business to give you examples of unique products that can only be created in the newly emerging India to challenge the notion of who exactly creates the middle class in India, this book is an intelligent reading from beginning to end.

1621062074544

Name: Connect the Dots

Author: Rashmi Bansal

Year: 2015

This book explores the ‘serious lives of 20 real-life entrepreneurs without an MBA degree’ and how they expressed their own success. The book has 3 sections - Jugaad, Junoon, and Zubaan.

All sections have their own specific stories that will captivate readers and provide a holistic view of how to become an entrepreneur.

1621062075011

Name: Beyond the MBA Hype: A Guide to Understanding and Surviving B-Schools

Author: Sameer Kamat

Year: 2013

“It talks about the unattractive side of the MBA,” says Samir Kamath. “Most books talk about how to get into programs. Most magazines and online articles highlight the excellent salaries that MBA students receive after graduation.

Beyond The MBA Hype tries to equilibrium it out by highlighting what B-schools can and can't do. The aim is to make the MBA degree more informative for the reader, ”says Sameer Kamath to Careers360.

1621062075642

Name: The World Is Flat

Author: Thomas L. Friedman

Year: 2005

Friedman talks about his concept of ‘flattening’ the world in the early 21st century, what it means for nations, companies, communities, and individuals around the world.

1621062075233

Name: Fortune At The Bottom Of The Pyramid

Author: C.K.Prahlad

Year: 2004

The book contains several case studies. These cases focus on businesses that thrive with BOPP models. BOPP is a new business model that aims to provide goods and services to the world's poorest people.

1621062076633

Name: Outliers

Author: Malcolm Gladwell

Year: 2008

Malcolm Gladwell explores the factors that make up successful individuals and high achievers. He explores Canadian ice hockey players, Bill Gates, The Beatles, and other examples of ‘perceived intelligence’ and rational decision making.

Gladwell talks about a '10,000-hour rule' and says that 10,000 hours of training for a specific task is the key to success.

1621062076386

Name: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author: Stephen Covey

Year: 1989

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is considered one of the most influential books written by Covey. The author presents seven popular habits because it ‘works':

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Habit 6: Synergize
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

Other Important Must-Read Books for MBA Students and Aspirants

Book Name

Author(s)

Description

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

This book discuss in depth into the two systems of thinking that drive human decision-making: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slower, more deliberate, and logical system. Kahneman explores how these systems shape our judgments and decisions and offers insights into how we can improve our thinking and avoid common cognitive biases.

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie's classic self-help book provides practical advice on how to connect with people, build lasting relationships, and influence others positively. The book offers timeless strategies for effective communication, understanding others' perspectives, and enhancing one's interpersonal skills to achieve personal and professional success.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Phil Knight

In this engaging memoir, Nike founder Phil Knight recounts the company's early days and its evolution into a global sportswear giant. Knight shares personal anecdotes and business lessons learned along the way, providing readers with an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of building one of the most iconic brands in the world.

Zero to One

Peter Thiel and Blake Masters

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, and Blake Masters offer a thought-provoking guide on how to create and innovate in startups. The book emphasizes the importance of developing unique business ideas that create new markets and provides practical advice on building companies that drive significant progress and value.

Outliers

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell investigates what makes high achievers different, focusing on the unique factors and circumstances that contribute to extraordinary success. Through a series of compelling case studies and research, Gladwell explores how cultural background, timing, and hard work play critical roles in reaching the pinnacle of success.

Why Should Candidates Refer To The Must Read Books for MBA Students and Aspirants

Candidates should refer to "Must Read Books for MBA Students and Aspirants" because these books provide invaluable insights and knowledge crucial for both entrance exams and MBA coursework. They cover a range of topics, including business strategies, management theories, and real-world case studies, which are essential for developing a strong foundation in business concepts. Reading these books helps candidates enhance their analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and understanding of industry trends.

Additionally, these books often include practical advice and success stories from industry leaders, which can be motivating and offer valuable perspectives on the business world. By incorporating these resources into their study routine, candidates can improve their exam preparation and gain a competitive edge in their MBA journey.

Candidates might be interested in-


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are these books suggested to MBA students?

These books include significant information on business strategies, management theories, and practical examples that are useful for both admission tests and MBA training.

2. How can these books assist with test preparation?

They address fundamental business ideas, boost analytical thinking, and give practical insights, all of which are useful for tackling MBA entrance exams.

3. Are these books beneficial in real-world business scenarios?

Yes, many of these publications provide real-world examples and success stories to assist students grasp how business ideas are implemented in reality.

4. Can reading these books help your problem-solving abilities?

 Absolutely! These books teach individuals how to think deeply and solve business challenges by combining various tactics and concepts.

5. Can these books inspire me to seek a business career?

Yes, many of these publications include inspirational tales of great business leaders and entrepreneurs, which may be encouraging.

6. Do these books cover all the topics needed for MBA studies?

Although they may not cover all topics for an MBA program, they do provide a solid foundation in crucial topics like management, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

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