10 Must-Listen Career Podcasts for Early Professionals

Forbes

4 days ago

Host uses microphone and headphones in recording studio
Sometimes it seems like everyone has a podcast. However, some are much more valuable than others, especially for early-career professionals. When taking the first steps in your career, building knowledge, gaining skills and finding the right opportunities are indispensable. Podcasts are an excellent resource for just that. The best professional podcasts don't just give career advice; they can help early-career professionals implement skills into their own lives. While there are new podcasts every day, this list looks mainly at highly established podcasts with impressive catalogs that have helped their listeners in the business world. Ranking a list like this isn't easy (especially since many of them have been running for years); however, quality and how useful they are have been taken into consideration.
Top Podcasts For Early-Career Professionals
Not every podcast is for everyone, but these podcasts are perfect for recent grads, those trying to break into a new field or early-career professionals generally.
NPR has a couple of wonderful business podcasts; however, Planet Money is arguably the best. Planet Money won't teach early career professionals specific business skills like other podcasts on this list, but understanding the current economy and money more generally is essential for anyone trying to make it in business.
The podcast has several current hosts including Amanda Aronczyk, Erika Beras, Mary Childs, Nick Fountain, Sarah Gonzalez, Jeff Guo, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi and Kenny Malone. The show covers economic news and related topics. It is a great podcast for understanding how the economy functions and big picture ideas. There are also several spin-off shows that can teach listeners about investing and economic history. Here's where you can listen to Planet Money.
The EntreLeadership Podcast feels like a classic choice. Hosted by longtime business commentator and CEO Dave Ramsey, it features Ramsey explaining topics and answering call-in questions.
The podcast covers many job coaching topics, especially for employers and business owners. This might not sound immediately helpful for early career professionals; however, if you are trying to understand why your boss thinks something or why a manager acts the way they do, this podcast might be specifically helpful. Moreover, for professionals hoping to take on leadership positions down the line, this podcast has some great management tips. Some of the advice can feel a little stodgy, but understanding CEOs can help you in your career (even if you might not always agree with them.) Here's where you can listen to The EntreLeadership Podcast.
Emilie Aries's Bossed Up is specifically aimed at women. However, it can be really helpful for anyone who is thinking about changing careers or taking leadership roles in their companies and is interested in feminism. With over 500 episodes, Aries brings on guests who discuss everything from burnout to imposter syndrome.
The podcast looks at business through a feminist lens and specifically discusses issues like maternity leave, sexism and gender roles in business. One of the best parts of the podcast is that it takes questions from listeners and explores real-world scenarios and topics. It is a must-listen for women who are trying to find their space in the professional world. Here's where you can listen to Bossed Up.
Hosts Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller believe in the power of work-life balance, and their podcast The Double Win isn't just about career success; it is about crafting an impressive personal and professional life. Caring about one's personal life and well-being in one's early career can be hard, but this podcast tries to make it easier with great interviews and expert advice.
The podcast is great for anyone who wants to build healthy and productive habits early on in their careers. It is especially good for self-coaching and goal setting. Here's where you can listen to The Double Win.
From iHeart Radio, Brown Ambition is a podcast all about tackling the job market and building wealth from a POC perspective. Hosted by Mandi Money, the podcast specifically seeks to help women of color in their professional careers.
The three-time Webby Award-winning podcast brings on guests to talk about all things money and intersectionality. It is a great resource that is very listenable and covers important topics about money, investing and jobs. The podcast features great interviews and helpful Q&As, and with almost 800 episodes, it has covered a lot of ground. Here's where you can listen to Brown Ambition.
Career Tools is a bit dry. However, it has a lot going for it. While it has gone through several hosts and maintains a bit of a rotating stable, each episode succinctly discusses a specific topic that can directly help early career professionals. They take on topics like 'How to Join a Professional Organization," 'Saying no to a delegation,' and 'What goes into a career development plan?'
The strength of the Career Tools podcast is how specific its episodes are. With almost 1000 episodes, if you have a question, they likely have a podcast answering it. The podcast is presented by Manager Tools (which produces several podcasts), but the Career Tools podcast is easily the best for those just starting their careers or looking for their first advancements. Career Tools won the Podcast Awards Best Business podcast in 2010 and has been nominated many other times. Here's where you can listen to Career Tools.
Hosted by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart is all about communication skills. While it is only one skill early-career professionals need to master, it is an essential one. This podcast goes into the details about strategic communication, presentation and interpersonal skills through a business lens.
Abrahams brings on expert guests (often professors) to speak about specific communication topics and techniques. It is a deep and fairly intellectual podcast, but one that is committed to its premise and teaching. Most people are not as good at communication as they think they are, and mastering these skills can help anyone looking to enhance their career. Here is where you can listen to Think Fast Talk Smart.
The Tim Ferriss Show is a hugely influential podcast in the genre. The titular host and bestselling author brings on an eclectic mix of guests and interviews them about their impressive (and often off-beat) careers. The podcast also examines the tricks and tools that lead to their success. It is a highly entertaining show that is a fixture on business podcast lists.
With over 800 episodes (it has been running for over ten years), the show has covered a lot of ground. Its strength comes from interesting interviews. If you have ever wondered how CEOs got their start or how to make it to the top of the chess world, this podcast is a great listen. Ferris is a strong interviewer, and at the very least, this podcast will likely inspire early-career professionals. Here's where you can listen to The Tim Ferriss Show.
Usually just called Mac Prichard's Find Your Dream Job, this podcast is excellent for early career professionals who are still trying to figure it out. Prichard brings on guests to talk about navigating the job market and finding purposeful careers. The podcast prioritizes talking about work that matters and is full of empathy and inspiration. This makes this podcast especially good for early career professionals who hope to make a difference through their work.
Sometimes job podcasts can feel a little soulless, but Find Your Dream Job is anything but. From advice on finding the right job to career myths to tips for internal job searches, there is a lot to love about their over 600 episodes. Here's where you can listen to Find Your Dream Job.
With seven seasons of content, Work Life is a prolific podcast. The host, Adam Grant, is an organizational psychologist who interviews exciting guests about unique jobs, how to scientifically make work 'not suck,' dealing with frustration and the power of criticism. For those who struggle with issues like procrastination, taking feedback or communication, episodes can teach early professionals life and work skills.
Grant brings on many different types of guests and researchs topics outside their discussions. The episodes are filled with great takeaways for early-career professionals. This podcast is wonderfully introspective and looks at the culture around work in really insightful ways. Here's where you can listen to Work Life.
Bottom Line
When starting your professional career, advice, knowledge and some coaching can make all the difference. These podcasts are a great resource for those looking to make the right first steps to supercharge their careers.