Once you graduate, your life becomes a seemingly endless series of unknowns. While this can be terrifying, post-grad life is also so exciting and full of opportunities—learn how to channel and make sense of everything that's thrown at you with the help of a few must-read books.
The Big Life by Ann Shoket
Former editor-in-chief of Seventeen Ann Shoket brings us a goldmine of career and life advice.
Meet 100 People by Pat Hedley
This handy little guide will teach you how to navigate the confusing world of networking and form meaningful professional relationships.
Wait, What?: And Life's Other Essential Questions by James E. Ryan
This clever read by a Harvard educator will teach you which life questions will help you move forward and which aren't worth your time.
I Just Graduated ... Now What? by Katherine Schwarzenegger
Follow the author as she poses this million-dollar question to more than thirty ultra-successful people, from Eva Longoria to John Legend.
The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg
Let fashion legend Diane Von Furstenberg take you through the ups and downs of her path to success.
Oh, The Sh!t You Don't Know!: College Graduate Edition by Antonio Carter
A fun, no holds barred, Dr. Seuss-inspired book with ~colorful~ language.
Stuff Every Graduate Should Know: A Handbook for the Real World by Alyssa Favreau
The name speaks for itself: this is a comprehensive guide for how to get your shit together when it comes to your apartment, your résumé and your budget.
Twenty-Two: Letters to a Young Woman Searching for Meaning by Allison Trowbridge
This sweet book addresses 22 letters to a fictional young woman in your shoes, and is jam-packed with wisdom.
The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives by Katie Couric
Learn about success from one of the most accomplished women in America—and some of her role models (from Maya Angelou to Jimmy Carter).
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
You are awesome—this book will convince you of it if there was ever any doubt.
If This Isn't Nice What Is? by Kurt Vonnegut
This is a collection of commencement speeches from one of the most celebrated commencement speakers in history.
The World Is Waiting for You by Tara Grove and Isabel Ostrer
This commencement speech anthology contains advice from some of the most fearless visionaries ever, including Toni Morrison, Gloria Steinem and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
There Is Life After College by Jeffrey J. Selingo
When it feels like you peaked in college, it's time to break out this book, which will help you make sense of the working world.
Lean In for Graduates by Sheryl Sandberg
Our favorite Facebook COO is back with career advice for young women in the workplace that's too good to pass up.
Very Good Lives by J.K. Rowling
This is J.K. Rowling's 2008 Harvard commencement speech. If you're not sold at this point, I honestly can't help you.
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
This will teach you how to do all the boring shit that no part of you wants to do, but like in a fun way.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
Inspiration for the ambitious AF bachelor of science.
The ABCs of Adulthood: An Alphabet of Life Lessons by Deborah Copaken
There's something really comforting about this kindergarten-curriculum approach to adulthood.
Post Grad: Five Women and Their First Year Out of College by Caroline Kitchener
The author shadowed four women from our graduating class, and drew lessons from their experiences and her own. Whatever hurdles come your way, remember that you're not alone!
#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
The term "girlboss" is practically in the dictionary, you guys. Sophia Amoruso's unapologetic, "L"-filled rise to success will inspire you to the max.
The Career Code by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power
The co-founders of Who What Wear share their best tips for excelling in whatever you do.
Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success by John C. Maxwell
This important read will teach you a better way to look at your failures, not letting them get you down and embracing them as part of your journey.
Women in Tech: Take Your Career to the Next Level by Tarah Wheeler Van Vlack
Tech mavens, this one's for you. Become privy to industry secrets from a female CEO in tech, aka a superhero.
Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars by Nathalia Holt
Whether or not aerospace engineering is your jam, there's nothing quite as empowering as learning about women's role in sending humans to space.
Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba
This book holds the key to feeling confident and fulfilled in your work. Yes please!
I Had a Nice Time And Other Lies... by The Betches
I won't lie to you: the post-grad dating scene is grim. Let this extra-honest book take you through the motions (and by motions I mean right swipes).
The Girl's Guide: Getting the hang of your whole complicated, unpredictable, impossibly amazing life by Melissa Kirsch
Not only does this guide have post-grad life tips galore, but it will also look adorable on your nightstand.
