Career Conversations: The Smart Way To Explore Career Ideas Before Your Commit
“What do you want to do when you leave school or uni?"
It’s the question every young person hears – and often dreads.
In a world full of choices, figuring out which path to take can feel overwhelming. And while some teens and students seem to “just know,” many others feel lost, uncertain, or pressured to pick something – anything – quickly.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to guess your way into a career. You can research it first – in a way that’s practical, quick, and incredibly effective.
Why Career Conversations Matter
Many young people rely on course descriptions, job titles, or TikToks to imagine what a career might be like. But that’s like choosing a holiday based only on the brochure – and then finding out it’s nothing like the pictures.
That’s where career conversations come in.
Talking directly to someone in a role you’re interested in gives you:
A real sense of what the job involves day to day
Honest pros and cons (not just the glossy highlights)
An idea of how people actually got into the role
Inspiration for skills, courses, or next steps you might consider
These chats – sometimes called informational interviews – can be as short as 20 minutes and are incredibly insightful.
What to Ask: 10 Great Questions for Career Conversations
If you’re a young person curious about a job, apprenticeship, or degree course – here are questions for you to try:
What’s been your career path so far – how did you end up where you are now?
What does a typical day or week look like for you
What do you enjoy most – and what’s most challenging?
What skills or qualities are most important to succeed?
Is there anything you wish you’d known beforehand
Are there any experiences, projects, or moments that really shaped your career?
What kind of career paths can this lead to?
How is your industry changing – what trends should I know?
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Would you be happy for me to stay in touch or connect on LinkedIn?
How to Find People to Speak To
Not sure who to ask? Start here:
Friends or family contacts in different industries
Your school, college or uni alumni network
People on LinkedIn – especially recent grads or apprentices
Employer insight events or careers fairs
Don’t be afraid to reach out – most people love sharing their experience and helping someone at the start of their journey.
Final thoughts
The best way to figure out if a career is right for you isn’t to imagine it. It’s to ask someone who lives it. One conversation could shape your future.
I'm Fiona, a qualified career & confidence coach helping young adults launch their careers.
I fell into my first career, and stayed there for 10 years - even though it never truly suited me. By the end, I was burnt out and lacking confidence. That experience fuels my passion for helping young people find careers that genuinely align with their strengths and values.
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