Building business knowledge goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Whether you're earning your associate degree or preparing to transfer, the best business podcasts and books for college students can give you real-world skills and insights. To gain a competitive edge in the business world, or to jump start your transition to a bachelor’s or advanced degree, it’s smart to explore beginner-friendly books and business podcasts for students.
Such resources can help associate-level business students build a strong foundation in essential concepts, practical skills, and management. They cover a mix of entrepreneurial, management, finance, and leadership content, and offer actionable lessons and unique perspectives for today’s business environment.
With that said, here are the top business podcasts and books every community college student should know.
Business knowledge doesn’t only come from textbooks. Whether you're working toward an associate degree or planning to transfer to a four-year program, podcasts and books can help you build real-world business skills.
The best business content for college students blends practical advice with stories from leaders, startups, and innovators. From entrepreneurship to communication to leadership, these beginner-friendly resources are great for expanding your understanding—and your opportunities.
Top Books for Business Students in College
The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
Among books for business students, this is a modern classic for aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs. Author Eric Ries teaches you how to efficiently launch ventures, quickly adapt, and continuously innovate. The book is well-suited for students interested in starting a business or innovation-driven positions.
The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business
This work by Josh Kaufman is considered among the best books for business students, as it breaks down more than 200 key business concepts into accessible language. The book covers everything from decision-making to operations and marketing, with no assumptions regarding prior knowledge.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
This timeless classic offers some of the best business content for college students entering the business space. It homes in on communication, interpersonal skills, and relationship building — all fundamental skills for business students at any level. Dale Carnegie’s widely read work offers practical advice on persuasion and leadership that continues to be relevant.
The 10-Day MBA: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Skills Taught in Top Business Schools
This guide by Steven Silbiger is widely touted for its accessible, concise format that enables students to understand the essentials of business education in a short period. It especially suits associate-level students who seek a quick but comprehensive introduction to topics such as economics, organizational behavior, and economics.
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap … And Others Don’t
This book by Jim Collins uses clear frameworks and clear case studies to explore what distinguishes exceptional companies, and offers lessons in strategy, organizational culture, and leadership. It’s ideal for associate-level students who seek to discover what drives long-term business success.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil Knight offers a behind-the-scenes look at the difficulties and wins involved in building a global brand. This inspiring success story brings readers along and is a top-shelf choice for students who wish to see how business theories unfold in the real world.
The W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne Blue Ocean Strategy Reader
This influential compilation of articles by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne challenge time-worn assumptions about market and competition boundaries. Here, students gain the practical tools for uncovering market opportunities and fostering innovation. The book is ideal for students interested in strategy, marketing, or entrepreneurship.
Best Business Podcasts for College Students
HBR IdeaCast
This Harvest Business Review podcast spotlights leading thinkers in the fields of business and management. It’s highly educational for business students, and covers innovation, strategy, leadership, and the latest business trends. A new episode is presented weekly.
How I Built This
This inspirational National Public Radio-sponsored podcast is hosted by Guy Raz and zeroes in on the backstories of successful organizations and entrepreneurs. It offers lessons on constructing companies from the ground up, featuring a different company weekly. Past episodes feature companies such as Burt’s Bees and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
The How of Business
Students who listen to this podcast can gain practical advice on a myriad of business topics. The How of Business is particularly suitable for those who seek insights into starting, operating, growing, and selling small businesses. Beyond the fundamentals of business, it also challenges conventional thinking on business ownership.
The McKinsey Podcast
This podcast offers probing discussions covering topics such as digitalization, leadership, analytics, and change management, and deep dives into specific industries and regions. It also offers industry-specific insights, perfect for students who seek an in-depth understanding of business strategies and challenges. The podcast is presented twice monthly.
Startup
This storytelling podcast tracks the journeys of startup companies, providing real-world lessons on business creation and growth as well as practical guidance. Each season, Alex Blumberg follows a single startup from the idea stage to inception. The premier podcast explores Blumberg’s efforts to establish a podcast startup.
Rise and Grind
This motivational podcast by Shark Tank Star Daymond John focuses on entrepreneurship and business success and offers actionable advice that can be applied immediately. It explores how hard work, grit, and persistence are the foundation of every successful person and organization. One episode, for example, focuses on learning from your imperfections.
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