Books to Read for Becoming a Better Engineer

The journey to becoming a proficient engineer is multifaceted, and reading the right books can significantly contribute to your success. The type of books you should read depends on your specific goals and interests within the engineering field. Let's explore some recommended books that can help you develop both technical and practical skills, as well as business acumen.

Technical Books for Engineers

If you are planning to pursue a degree in engineering, your university will likely have a prescribed set of textbooks. However, for self-study or to improve your hands-on skills, consider these technical books:

Quality Control

Quality Control by Dale H. Besterfield is an excellent choice for engineers looking to deepen their understanding of applied statistics. This book serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in the quality management aspect of engineering.

Electronic Communication

Electronic Communication by Robert Shrader is written at a technician level, making it accessible even to those with a non-electrical engineering background. This book will help you grasp fundamental electronics principles, which are crucial for any engineer working in related fields.

The ARRL Handbook

The ARRL Handbook is a comprehensive resource that can be invaluable for practicing engineers. It has a dedicated chapter on EMI/RFI, which is particularly useful for those working in areas involving electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference.

Applied Calculus

Applied Calculus by Deborah Hughes-Hallett is a great tool for reviewing key calculus concepts, providing a practical and accessible alternative to more formal calculus textbooks.

Double Your Profits and Root Cause Analysis

Double Your Profits by Jay Arthur and Root Cause Analysis by Paul Wilson are invaluable for engineers working in manufacturing or quality control. These books help you implement lean six sigma principles and improve problem-solving skills, respectively.

Business Books for Engineers

In addition to technical skills, engineers should also develop business acumen to excel in their careers. Here are some books that can help you:

Antifragile

Antifragile by Nassim Taleb is a fascinating read that teaches you to benefit from disorder and randomness. This book is essential for any engineer looking to navigate unpredictable business environments.

The Lean Startup

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a must-read for engineers aspiring to start or lead innovative projects. It provides essential tools and techniques to build scalable startup ventures.

The Innovator’s Solution

The Innovator’s Solution by Clayton M. Christensen is part of a series that can help you think like an innovator. It covers strategies for bringing about innovative change and solving complex problems in the engineering field.

Measure What Matters

Measure What Matters by John Doerr shares insights from successful companies like Intel and Google, teaching you how to drive measurable results through strategic initiatives.

Final Notes

It's important to note that while these books can provide valuable insights and skills, they cannot replace a formal engineering education. According to statistics, in the United States, less than 5% of individuals without a degree hold an engineering job title. Most of those with engineering job titles have either an associates degree or have dropped out of a university without completing a program.

If you are serious about becoming an engineer, consider enrolling in university courses or online courses for self-study. Many universities publish course requirements online, and you can use these resources for self-study to keep up with industry standards. Be aware, though, that no online program or collection of courses currently offers the equivalent of an engineering degree.

Conclusion

While these books can't guarantee your success as an engineer, they can certainly equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in your career. By combining technical expertise with a strong business sense, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in any engineering field.