Explainers
Job Shadowing vs. Informational Interviews vs. Career Intros
The differences between the most common ways to explore a career, and when each one is the right choice.
Three ways to learn from a professional
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they give you different things.
Informational interview
A conversation, usually 20 to 45 minutes, where you ask a professional about their work and path.
- Best for: early research, networking, understanding career paths
- Limit: you hear about the work but don't see it
Job shadowing
You follow a professional through part of their workday.
- Best for: seeing the pace, environment, and real tasks
- Limit: harder to arrange, often requires employer approval
Career Intro
A career Intro is an arranged, real-world meeting with a local professional. Depending on the person, it may be a conversation, a workplace tour, or a short shadow experience.
- Best for: people who want real exposure but don't have the network to set it up
- Limit: professional participation depends on availability
Which should you choose?
- Just starting to wonder? Start with a conversation.
- Already interested and want to see it? Look for a shadow or tour.
- Don't know anyone in the field? A Career Intro handles the outreach for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a career Intro the same as an internship?
No. An internship is ongoing work over weeks or months. A career Intro is a single real-world meeting designed to help you decide whether a field is worth exploring further.
How is a career Intro arranged?
You tell Intro.Careers what career you are curious about and where you live. The team reaches out to local professionals and schedules the meeting.
Ready to experience it first?
Tell us the career you're curious about and we'll arrange a real-world Intro with a local professional.
Request an Intro