The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.
1. Describe your dream job or career: How many hours per day would you work? Would you work from home, or would you go to an office or some other workplace every day? How much would you need to travel for your job? Why would you like this job or career?
2. How do you define job satisfaction? What factors contribute to job satisfaction for you?
3. Have you ever had a mentor or role model in your career? How did they impact your professional development?
4. How do you handle work-related stress and pressure?
5. Can you share a memorable experience from a past job or career milestone? (What was the job? When did this happen? Who else was involved? Why was it memorable?)
6. What are some common misconceptions about certain professions or industries? (For example, is everybody working at a tech company good at coding? Do all lawyers spend all their time in court?) Are there misconceptions about your profession or industry?
7. What are common trends in your country or culture about work ethic and career expectations? Are these trends similar or different in other countries or cultures? Have these trends changed in your country over the last few decades?
8. How will technology shape the future of work and career opportunities in your field?
9. How do you balance pursuing your career goals with other aspects of your life, such as family and personal interests?
10. Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult career decision? How did you approach it?
11. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?
12. What are some important qualities you look for in a potential employer? What qualities do you look for in workplace culture?
13. How do you think freelancing has changed the traditional concept of work and career paths?
14. Can you share a story about a career setback or failure and how you bounced back from it? (What was the job or career? When did this happen? How long had you been working at that employer? Who else was involved? How did you bounce back?)
15. What do you think are the most important skills for success in today’s job market?
16. Have you ever experienced a conflict between your personal values and the demands of your job? How did you handle it?
17. How do you think expectations from society influence career choices?
18. Can you share a time when you had to stand up for yourself in the workplace? What was the outcome?
19. What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career change? What advice would you give to someone who is considering a job in your industry?
20. Do you have any experience with telecommuting? How do you think telecommuting has changed the way people think about their careers?
21. Are there any gender disparities or biases in your workplace? If there are, how can they be addressed?
22. How do you envision your career evolving in the future?