The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives, particularly those who have shaped our career paths. This topic is frequently tested and likely to appear in future exams due to its relevance to personal and professional development. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to “Describe A Person Who Has Had A Significant Impact On Your Career” across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Career mentor guiding a young professional
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your career or influential people. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you have any role models in your professional life?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. My first boss at my current company has been a great role model for me. She’s very skilled at her job and always willing to help others improve. I’ve learned a lot from watching how she handles difficult situations at work.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’ve been particularly inspired by my current mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen. She’s a pioneering researcher in my field and has an exceptional ability to balance groundbreaking work with effective team leadership. What I admire most is her commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining a supportive work environment. Her approach has significantly influenced how I view my own career trajectory and professional relationships.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a person who has had a significant impact on your career.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain how they have impacted your career
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my former professor, Dr. Johnson, who has had a big impact on my career. I met him during my undergraduate studies in computer science. He teaches advanced programming and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Johnson influenced my career in several ways. First, his lectures were always exciting and made me really interested in AI. He also encouraged me to join research projects, which gave me practical experience. Additionally, he wrote a recommendation letter that helped me get my first job in a tech company.
Thanks to Dr. Johnson, I decided to specialize in AI, which has been a great career choice for me. His support and guidance have been really valuable in shaping my professional path.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to discuss the profound impact that Dr. Emily Zhao, my postgraduate research supervisor, has had on my career trajectory. I first encountered Dr. Zhao during a guest lecture she delivered at my university, and I was immediately captivated by her groundbreaking work in sustainable energy systems.
Dr. Zhao is a renowned expert in her field, holding multiple patents and having published extensively in top-tier scientific journals. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical physics and practical engineering applications in renewable energy.
The impact Dr. Zhao has had on my career has been multifaceted and transformative. Firstly, her mentorship style, which emphasizes critical thinking and innovation, has fundamentally altered my approach to problem-solving. She instilled in me the importance of considering the broader implications of scientific research, particularly in terms of sustainability and social impact.
Moreover, Dr. Zhao’s extensive industry connections provided me with invaluable networking opportunities. Through her recommendation, I secured an internship at a leading renewable energy company, which later translated into a full-time position.
Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Zhao’s unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious research projects. Her encouragement led me to present at international conferences and co-author a paper in a prestigious journal, experiences that have been instrumental in establishing my professional credibility.
In essence, Dr. Zhao’s influence has not only shaped my technical expertise but also my professional ethos. Her emphasis on ethical research practices and the potential of science to address global challenges continues to guide my career decisions and aspirations.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How important do you think mentors are in career development?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think mentors are very important in career development. They can provide guidance, share their experience, and help you avoid common mistakes. A good mentor can also introduce you to useful contacts in your industry, which can be really helpful for your career growth.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe mentors play a pivotal role in career development. A skilled mentor offers far more than just professional advice; they provide a nuanced understanding of industry dynamics that can’t be gleaned from textbooks or courses alone. They serve as a sounding board for ideas, offering constructive criticism that fosters personal and professional growth. Moreover, mentors can be instrumental in expanding one’s professional network, often facilitating introductions that can lead to collaborative opportunities or career advancements. Perhaps most importantly, a mentor can help cultivate self-reflection and strategic thinking, encouraging mentees to critically assess their strengths, weaknesses, and long-term career aspirations.”
- Do you think the impact of mentors has changed with the rise of online learning and remote work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the impact of mentors has changed with online learning and remote work. Now, it’s easier to connect with mentors from anywhere in the world, which gives us more options. However, it might be harder to build a close relationship online compared to meeting in person regularly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The advent of online learning and remote work has undeniably transformed the dynamics of mentorship. On one hand, these technological advancements have democratized access to mentorship, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling connections with industry leaders who might have been previously inaccessible. This has exponentially expanded the pool of potential mentors and mentees, fostering a more diverse and inclusive mentorship landscape.
However, this shift also presents unique challenges. The nuances of non-verbal communication and the spontaneous exchanges that often occur in face-to-face interactions can be diminished in virtual settings. This necessitates a more deliberate and structured approach to mentorship, with both parties needing to be more proactive in maintaining regular, meaningful communication.
Moreover, the rise of digital platforms has given birth to new mentorship models, such as micro-mentoring and peer-to-peer mentoring networks. These evolving formats offer more flexibility and can be particularly beneficial for addressing specific, short-term career challenges.
Ultimately, while the core essence of mentorship – guidance, support, and knowledge sharing – remains unchanged, the methods of delivery and engagement have evolved. This new landscape requires both mentors and mentees to adapt their communication styles and leverage technology effectively to ensure that the mentorship experience remains impactful and mutually beneficial.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do you think the role of mentors in career development might change in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think in the future, mentors will probably use more technology to connect with people they’re helping. We might see more online mentoring programs and maybe even use of virtual reality for meetings. Also, as careers are changing faster now, mentors might need to focus more on helping people adapt to new situations rather than just giving advice about one specific job.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The role of mentors in career development is likely to undergo significant transformation in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and evolving workforce dynamics.
Firstly, we’re likely to see a shift towards more fluid and diverse mentorship models. The traditional one-to-one, long-term mentorship may be complemented or even partially replaced by dynamic mentoring networks. These networks could allow individuals to tap into a variety of expertise as needed, adapting to the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of many careers.
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are also poised to play a crucial role. We might see the emergence of AI-assisted mentorship platforms that can analyze vast amounts of career data to provide personalized guidance. These systems could offer real-time advice on skill development, industry trends, and career pivots, complementing human mentors’ emotional intelligence and experiential wisdom.
The focus of mentorship itself may shift. With the rapid pace of technological change and job market evolution, mentors may need to place greater emphasis on fostering adaptability and resilience rather than imparting specific technical skills. They might increasingly take on the role of future-proofing their mentees’ careers, helping them develop meta-skills like learning agility and cross-functional collaboration.
Furthermore, as remote work becomes more prevalent, mentors may need to develop new strategies for building trust and rapport in virtual environments. This could lead to innovative mentoring techniques that blend online and offline interactions, perhaps utilizing virtual reality or augmented reality technologies to create more immersive mentoring experiences.
Lastly, we may see a rise in reverse mentoring, where younger professionals mentor older colleagues on emerging technologies and cultural shifts. This bidirectional flow of knowledge could become increasingly valuable in bridging generational gaps in the workplace and fostering a more inclusive, multigenerational workforce.
In essence, while the fundamental purpose of mentorship – guidance and support – will remain constant, its methods, scope, and focus are likely to evolve significantly to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing professional landscape.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal role /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ (adj. + n.): Crucially important function
Example: “Mentors play a pivotal role in shaping one’s career trajectory.” -
Groundbreaking work /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ wɜːrk/ (adj. + n.): Innovative or pioneering efforts
Example: “Dr. Zhao’s groundbreaking work in sustainable energy has revolutionized the field.” -
To instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (v.): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: “My mentor instilled in me the importance of continuous learning.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adj.): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The impact of a good mentor is often multifaceted, affecting both professional and personal growth.” -
To foster /ˈfɔːstər/ (v.): To encourage the development of something
Example: “A supportive work environment fosters innovation and creativity.” -
Nuanced understanding /ˈnjuːɑːnst ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/ (adj. + n.): A sophisticated, subtle comprehension
Example: “Experienced mentors provide a nuanced understanding of industry dynamics.” -
To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (v.): To develop or improve through careful attention
Example: “Mentorship helps cultivate essential leadership skills.” -
Exponentially /ˌekspəˈnenʃəli/ (adv.): Rapidly and dramatically
Example: “Online platforms have exponentially expanded access to mentorship opportunities.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing influential people in your career:
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Use specific examples: Provide detailed anecdotes about how the person impacted your career rather than general statements.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Analyze the person’s influence from multiple perspectives, showing depth of thought.
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Employ a range of vocabulary: Utilize sophisticated lexical items and idiomatic expressions related to career development and mentorship.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without unnecessary pauses or hesitations.
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Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the subject, as this can positively impact your pronunciation and intonation.
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Connect ideas coherently: Use appropriate linking words and phrases to ensure your response flows logically.
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Elaborate on answers: Provide comprehensive responses, especially in Parts 2 and 3, to showcase your English proficiency fully.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in discussing influential people in your IELTS Speaking test.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a time when you adapted to new circumstances due to technology.
