In the digital age where information is communicated through social media, it can be hard to find justification for reading a book cover to cover. There are summaries online, news articles that discuss topics and videos across the internet. Simply put, there are various options that we can use to get information other than the antiquated form, reading. As millennial professionals, we typically chose these options instead of reading books. We are “On-The-Go”, dynamic people who have busy schedules and cannot possibly find time to read a book cover to cover, right? Wrong. Here is why reading is an absolute necessity for the millennial professional: 

1.   Expand Your Knowledge of the Sector 

You are probably the youngest person on your team or in your office with a number of people who are not only older than you but are also more experienced. You have to prove yourself as knowledgeable and trusted. Otherwise, you may be reduced to the “paper-pusher” who is computer savvy. Reading books about the past, present and future of your sector will help you to have educated conversations with the people you work with and will demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the work that you do—So interested, in fact, that you do research on it on your own time and read about it.

Reading can also help you have insight on what you do at work and give you a “leg-up” on your peers when it comes to promotion opportunities and special projects. The knowledge that you ascertain will also help add new perspectives to tackling problems—and we all want to be the new analyst who solves problems not the one who causes them.

2.    Building Relationships

As a new member of any organization, team or network, you should seek to build genuine relationships with the people you work with. One great way to do so is to take interest in the things that your colleagues are interested in and read about those topics. For example, if your superior says they love French history, it would behoove you to grab a book about it. Reading an article online is insufficient is because, you are not going to get much value from that. Reading a book however will be more informative and thorough. Due to the sheer breadth of information, you will definitely find a common theme that interests you about the topic. Now, you can talk to your supervisor intelligently about their interests and what YOU find intriguing about their interests. Dale Carnegie’s advice in “How To Win Friends And Influence People” is to “talk in terms of the other person’s interests.” Reading about your supervisor’s interests will demonstrate that you care about who they are and what they care about. As an added bonus, it will help you win their favor.

3.    Better Vocabulary, Speech & Writing

You are 20-something. You should not communicate the way you did in college or even in high school. Speaking professionally and communicating effectively will help you differentiate yourself as a millennial professional. Our generation is accustomed to emojis, slang and 140 characters. There is nothing wrong with that but there is certainly a time and place for it. E-mails, presentations, client calls etc. are all opportunities for you to showcase your strong control of language and sophisticated vocabulary. The books that you read will expand your vocabulary and improve your writing skills as well.

Furthermore, regardless of what industry you are in, storytelling is important. If you are pitching a new client, explaining the purpose of an internal product or even on an interview, those who have the ability to tell a story and engage their audience typically fair better professionally than those who do not. That being said, who better to learn how to tell a story from than an actual author? Realistic fiction, fables and novels can all help improve this skill, and you may find yourself telling better stories, even amongst friends and family, after making reading a continuous habit. 

4.    A Great Stress Reliever

Lastly, beyond the practical uses for reading, the millennial professional will find that reading is an enjoyable way to relieve stress. If you have seen me on my morning commute, you know I am often grinning from chin to chin while scrolling through an e-book or physical book. For me, working in the financial services industry can definitely be stressful, but reading is a good way to unwind and switch gears before heading into the office. I have recently read “Becoming” by the Former First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Michelle Obama. Reading this text inspired and encouraged me but also made me chuckle. Feeling positive before starting the work day helps millennial professionals feel energized and focused to accomplish the tasks of the day.

There is unlimited UPSIDE to becoming smarter, building better relationships, enhancing your vocabulary and decreasing stress. You will become a better professional and a better person, too. It all starts with picking up a book. Find a book on a topic you are interested in, and, I promise you after a while, it will feel like the pages are turning themselves!

For more content on Great Reads, Finance/Business, Service and Faith, connect with me on all social platforms @dernyfleurima.