Read What Finance MBAs Read

Reading the books assigned in MBA programs gives you “insider” vocabulary

Want to be reading the same books that your MBA peers have likely read. Here is a reading list of books that are commonly found within MBA curriculums, and/or are highly recommended readings. These books, not only will boost your own finance knowledge, but it will give you the talking points and terminology commonly used in the field. This will be particularly important if you’re looking for your self-directed MBA to help you job shit.

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1. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham

Overview: Regarded as the bible of value investing, this classic provides essential strategies for successful long-term investing. This book definitely is personal finance related, and not geared towards corporate finance, like most books…but this is a

Amazon Link: The Intelligent Investor

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2. “Security Analysis” by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd

Overview: This comprehensive guide delves into the techniques of analyzing securities and determining their intrinsic value.

Amazon Link: Security Analysis

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3. “A Random Walk Down Wall Street” by Burton G. Malkiel

Overview: Explores the efficient-market hypothesis and provides insights into various investment strategies.

Amazon Link: A Random Walk Down Wall Street

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4. “Principles of Corporate Finance” by Richard A. Brealey, Stewart C. Myers, and Franklin Allen

Overview: A foundational textbook covering key concepts in corporate finance, from valuation to risk management.

Amazon Link: Principles of Corporate Finance

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5. “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Warren E. Buffett and Lawrence A. Cunningham

Overview: A collection of Buffett’s annual shareholder letters offering wisdom on investment and business management.

Amazon Link: The Essays of Warren Buffett

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6. “Financial Intelligence” by Karen Berman and Joe Knight

Overview: Demystifies financial statements and key metrics, making finance accessible to non-financial managers.

Amazon Link: Financial Intelligence

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7. “Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk” by Peter L. Bernstein

Overview: Chronicles the history of risk management and its impact on finance and modern life.

Amazon Link: Against the Gods

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8. “The Alchemy of Finance” by George Soros

Overview: Offers an in-depth look at Soros’s investment strategies and his theory of reflexivity in markets.

Amazon Link: The Alchemy of Finance

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9. “Fooled by Randomness” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Overview: Examines the role of chance in the markets and how we often underestimate its impact.

Amazon Link: Fooled by Randomness

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10. “Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies” by McKinsey & Company Inc., Tim Koller, Marc Goedhart, and David Wessels

Overview: Provides tools and frameworks for valuing companies and understanding corporate performance.

Amazon Link: Valuation

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Conclusion

These books offer a wealth of knowledge that rivals the curriculum of top MBA programs. By studying them, you’ll gain insights into investment strategies, financial analysis, risk management, and more. This self-directed approach allows you to learn at your own pace and apply concepts directly to your professional life.