Lindsey Pollak,  Gen Y expert, best selling author (and a good friend) recently came up with a top-notch  list of must-reads for young professionals.  This is a great resource for everyone who’s looking for a little bit of guidance as they think about heading into the workforce for the first time (and even for the veterans among us).

I’m adding my own personal plug for Professor William J. White’s From Day One: CEO Advice to Launch an Extraordinary Career.  I spent a fabulous 90 minutes at Kellogg with Professor White last week guest teaching his  “Managing for New Managers” class and it’s no suprise his classes are standing room only!   From Day One is loaded with actionable items of how you can make a contribution to your organization from the get-go.

So without further ado: Lindsey’s list…with a few of my own comments peppered in

A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink
Essential reading about the skills that will dominate in the new economy (reading it now and loving it!)

Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
My favorite book on figuring out what to do with your life

Getting from College to Career by…me! (it’s as good as she says it is)
Of course I had to include my own book! I wrote the guide I wish I’d had when I was in your shoes. It includes everything I’ve learned along my professional path so far.

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty
How you write is how you are perceived. This book is the best modern writing primer I’ve seen.

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi (seriously, buy this one!)
The best book on networking at any age, in any profession

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois Frankel
Like having your own personal career coach

Roadtrip Nation by Mike Marriner and Nathan Gebhard with Joanne Gordon
A fun, insightful look into a wide variety of career paths

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
An absolute must-read for anyone who wants a creative career

They Don’t Teach Corporate In College by Alexandra Levit
The best book on thriving as a young professional in the corporate world

Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler
The ultimate guide to setting and reaching your goals over the next 12 months