Books All Chemical Engineers Should Have

The speaker, a chemical engineer with five years of experience, introduces the video by expressing enthusiasm for discussing favorite chemical engineering books. The focus is on providing new engineers with the knowledge needed for success in the field. The video is segmented into different sections: technical books for understanding fundamentals, resources for specific chemical industry trades, productivity and business books, and fun reads. The first book highlighted is a fundamental chemical engineering textbook, which the speaker highly recommends keeping for its detailed understanding of the basics. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of having familiar resources for relearning topics efficiently.

The speaker suggests asking colleagues and fellow students for book recommendations to learn about specific areas within chemical engineering. They also recommend subscribing to free magazines and catalogs to gain insights into industry trends and to have visual and informational resources at hand. The importance of engaging with podcasts, newsletters, and news websites is stressed to maintain a broad perspective and enthusiasm for the field. Additionally, the speaker advises on the value of institutional knowledge gained through internships and labs, encouraging new engineers to learn from company SOPs and processes.

The speaker transitions to discussing the importance of business and leadership development for chemical engineers, who often have roles that combine scientific and business responsibilities. Two fundamental books are recommended: 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', which provide insights into successful habits and networking in a business context. The concept of 'nudging' from the book 'Nudge' is introduced as a strategy for influencing change in individuals and systems. The speaker also mentions 'Thinking in Systems' as a book that encourages a broader perspective on work and problem-solving within a systemic framework.

The speaker recommends 'Thinking Inside the Box' for its exploration of creative thinking within constraints, a common scenario in engineering. They then shares their appreciation for the classic novel 'Frankenstein', drawing parallels between the story of a scientist driven by discovery and the ethical considerations of engineering. The speaker reflects on the power of engineering to create significant impacts, whether positive or negative, and encourages viewers to consider the potential consequences of their work.

In conclusion, the speaker invites viewers to share their own book recommendations and experiences that have influenced their technical and personal development. They express a willingness to discuss chemical engineering topics and encourage viewers to like, subscribe, and comment on the video for further interaction. The speaker also promises more content in the future and thanks the audience for their time.