For students
25 Questions to Ask a Professional on a Job Shadow or Career Intro
A practical, printable list of questions that turn a short visit with a professional into real insight about whether a career fits you.
Why the right questions matter
A career Intro is short. The questions you ask decide whether you leave with a brochure-level impression or a real picture of the work. Aim for questions about what the day actually feels like, not just what the job title means.
About the day-to-day
- What does a typical day look like, start to finish?
- What part of your day takes the most energy?
- What tools, software, or equipment do you use most?
- How much of your time is spent with people versus working alone?
- What does a "bad day" look like in this job?
About getting in
- How did you get your first job in this field?
- What training, license, or degree did you actually need?
- If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
- Are there entry-level roles where someone can test the field first?
- What skills matter more than people expect?
About the reality
- What surprised you most after you started?
- What do people misunderstand about this job?
- How has the work changed in the last five years?
- What kind of person tends to thrive here, and who tends to leave?
- How predictable are your hours?
About growth
- Where do people in this field go after 5 or 10 years?
- How does pay typically grow with experience?
- Is there room to specialize or start your own business?
- Who else should I talk to to learn more?
Closing questions
- Is there something small I could try this month to get a taste of the work?
- May I follow up with you if I have more questions?
After the Intro
Write down three things within an hour: what energized you, what drained you, and one question you still have. That short note is often more useful than the whole list above.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions should I bring to a job shadow?
Bring 8 to 10 prepared questions and expect to ask 4 to 6. The best Intros become conversations, so leave room to follow up on what the professional says.
What should I avoid asking?
Avoid questions you could answer with a quick web search, and hold personal salary questions unless the professional brings up pay. Ask how pay typically grows in the field instead.
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