Thinking about switching careers but not sure where to start? Before you enroll in a degree program or quit your job, there's one research tool that's free, surprisingly easy, and wildly underused: the informational interview. This is simply a conversation with someone who already works in a field you're curious about. No job application, no pressure — just 20–30 minutes of honest, real-world insight you can't get from a brochure or a job listing. Here's how to make the most of it.
How to Find the Right People to Talk To
You don't need to know anyone in the field to get started. LinkedIn is your best friend here. Search for job titles you're interested in — "school counselor," "UX designer," "nurse practitioner," whatever your target is — and filter by your city or region. Look for people who seem approachable: someone who posts about their work, volunteers as a mentor, or has a friendly-looking profile. You're not cold-calling strangers; you're reaching out to people who generally enjoy talking about what they do.
Also think about your existing network. Former coworkers, college alumni groups, neighbors, people from your gym or church — someone in your life probably has a connection to the field you're exploring. Don't overlook professional associations either. Many industries have local chapters that welcome curious newcomers, and some even have formal mentorship programs.
When you reach out, keep your message short and specific. Something like: "Hi, I'm exploring a career shift into physical therapy and came across your profile. I'd love to ask you a few questions about your experience in the field — would you have 20–30 minutes for a quick phone or video call?" Most people say yes to that. It's flattering to be asked, and it costs them almost nothing.
What to Ask During the Conversation
Don't show up without a plan. The goal isn't to impress anyone — it's to gather real information that helps you decide whether this path makes sense for you. Come with a short list of questions, and let the conversation breathe naturally from there.
Some questions worth asking:
- What does a typical day or week actually look like for you?
- What do you wish you'd known before getting into this field?
- What kind of background or credentials do most people in your role have?
- What's the hardest part of this work that doesn't show up in job descriptions?
- If you were starting over today, what path would you take to get here?
- Are there parts of this field that are growing, and parts that are shrinking?
That last question matters more than people realize. Before investing time and money in retraining, you want to know if the field is actually hiring. Cross-reference what you hear with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh), which publishes job growth projections, median salaries, and typical education requirements for hundreds of careers. It's free, reliable, and easy to navigate.
Listen for the stuff between the lines, too. If someone says "it's rewarding but the hours are brutal" or "the pay is fine once you get licensed, but the first two years are rough," that's valuable. You're trying to build a realistic picture, not a highlight reel.
How to Use What You Learn
After each conversation, write down your takeaways while they're fresh. What surprised you? What confirmed something you suspected? What made you more excited — or more hesitant? Over several interviews with different people in the same field, patterns will start to emerge. Those patterns are your data.
If the field starts to look like a real fit, your informational interviews also help you figure out what education or training you'll actually need. Some careers require specific degrees; others value certifications or portfolios more than diplomas. Knowing this before you enroll saves you from spending time and money on credentials that won't move the needle.
If going back to school does make sense, look into your financial aid options early. FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the starting point for most federal grants and loans — you can file it at studentaid.gov. Many adults are surprised to find they qualify for more aid than they expected, especially if they're returning after a gap.
One more thing: stay in touch with the people you talk to. A quick thank-you email after your conversation goes a long way. Some of these contacts become mentors, references, or even hiring managers down the road. Career switching is rarely a solo project — the people already in your target field are one of your best resources, and an informational interview is the simplest way to get them in your corner.