If you’re in high school, chances are you’ve been asked at least once what you want to do with your life. And if you’re like most students, that question probably feels a little overwhelming.
Here’s the good news: you’re not expected to have it all figured out right now. But if you’re starting to think about college majors or long-term goals, this is a great time to explore what careers actually look like in the real world.
There are lots of ways to learn about a potential future career, but two methods that we recommend most are informational interviews and job shadowing. We like these options because they are accessible and effective tools for career exploration. You don’t need a special program or certain coursework to get started, just a willingness to ask questions and observe.
Let’s walk through what these experiences are, how to arrange them, and how to make the most of your career exploration.
Why Career Exploration in High School Matters
Choosing a major or career path is a lot easier when you’ve had the chance to see what different fields are really like. Many students choose majors based on what sounds interesting, only to realize later that the day-to-day work doesn’t match their expectations.
The truth is that most high schoolers have no idea what their parents actually do all day. You might know your mom “works in finance,” but that could mean anything from corporate budgeting to analyzing investments to managing a local credit union. And if it’s that hard to understand what someone in your own family does, how are you supposed to understand all the other job possibilities out there?
That’s why we love career exploration! It turns vague job titles into something real. Even one conversation or a day of shadowing can help you start to figure out what excites you, what doesn’t, and where you might want to dig deeper. You don’t have to commit to a path, but you can start narrowing the options in a meaningful way.
What Is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a casual conversation with someone working in a field you’re interested in. The goal isn’t to get a job or even an internship. It’s to learn about the other person’s career path and what their job is really like.
You can request informational interviews with:
Relatives or family friends
Teachers or school staff
Your dentist, physical therapist, or local business owner
Friends of your parents, coaches, or neighbors
Alumni from your high school
You don’t need to know exactly what career you want. Pick something you’re curious about, and start there.
What Should You Ask?
Come prepared with a few thoughtful questions.
You might ask:
What does a typical day look like in your job?
What does a good day look like? A bad day?
What do you enjoy most about your work? What’s challenging?
How did you get started in your field?
What kind of education or training is helpful for someone entering this field today?
What advice would you give to a high school student exploring this career path?
Your goal isn’t to learn anything and everything about the job. There’s no test at the end! Focus on being engaged and curious.
How to Request and Prepare for an Informational Interview
Reaching out might feel intimidating, but most people are happy to talk about their work, especially when it’s someone in your own network.
When you reach out:
Introduce yourself and how you’re connected
Share why you’re interested in learning more about their career
Ask if they’d be willing to talk for 20–30 minutes (in person, by phone, or over Zoom)
Be polite, show up on time, take notes, and always follow up with a thank-you message afterward.
What Is Job Shadowing?
Job shadowing gives you the opportunity to observe someone in their workplace and see what they do during a typical day. Think of it like a behind-the-scenes look at a career. It’s usually short-term, anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
You’re not expected to contribute or complete tasks while shadowing. Your role is to watch, learn, and ask questions when appropriate. It’s especially helpful for careers where internships aren’t available or appropriate for high school students.
How to Arrange a Job Shadowing Experience
Again, start with people who are in your own network! You can also ask the people you’ve interviewed. Many students find shadowing opportunities come directly from those conversations. You can also talk to your teachers or counselors who may have local contacts, as well as friends or neighbors who work in industries you’re curious about.
When you make the request:
Be specific about your interest
Be flexible on timing
Let them know you're looking to learn more about the field
Note: Some workplaces may have restrictions for minors or require paperwork, especially in healthcare, legal, or financial fields. That’s normal. Just ask respectfully and be understanding.
Making the Most of the Experience
Whether you’re conducting an informational interview or shadowing someone on the job, here are a few ways to get the most out of your experience:
Do your homework. Read a little about the field in advance so your questions are informed.
Observe more than the job. Pay attention to the workplace culture, pace of the day, and how people communicate.
Write down your takeaways. Afterward, reflect on what surprised you, what you enjoyed, and what new questions you have.
You can use these experiences to guide your course planning, shape your college list, or even write stronger college essays that show your exploration and growth.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do with your life, but you can start learning what different career paths look like and whether they’re a good fit for you.
Informational interviews and job shadowing are low-pressure ways to explore your interests, build confidence, and clarify what matters to you. The insights and direction they provide can shape the rest of your high school and college planning journey.
So start small: choose one career you’re curious about, and reach out to someone who works in that field. You never know where one conversation might lead!