The topic of describing a person who has influenced your career decisions is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences and reflect on important relationships in your life. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about your career or influential people in your life. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question: “Have you ever received career advice from someone?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. My high school teacher gave me some useful advice about choosing a university major. She suggested I consider my strengths and interests before making a decision.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’ve been fortunate to receive career guidance from several sources. Most notably, my university professor provided invaluable insights into the industry trends and potential career paths in my field. His advice was instrumental in shaping my post-graduation plans and helped me navigate the early stages of my professional journey.”
Describe a person who is very good at making decisions can be a related topic that often comes up in IELTS Speaking tests. The ability to discuss decision-making processes and influential figures in your life can significantly enhance your performance in the test.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who has influenced your career decisions.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain how this person has influenced your career decisions
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who has had a significant impact on my career decisions. I’ve known him since I was a child, as he’s my father’s younger brother. John is a successful software engineer working for a multinational tech company.
He influenced my career decisions in several ways. Firstly, he introduced me to the world of programming when I was in high school. He showed me some basic coding and explained how software applications work. This sparked my interest in computer science.
Secondly, John often shared stories about his work projects and the challenges he faced. These stories gave me a realistic picture of what a career in tech might look like. He also advised me on which programming languages to learn and which areas of technology were growing rapidly.
Lastly, he helped me secure an internship at his company during my university years. This hands-on experience was invaluable and confirmed my decision to pursue a career in software development.
Thanks to John’s influence and guidance, I felt more confident in choosing my university major and setting my career goals in the tech industry.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share with you about Dr. Sarah Chen, a person who has profoundly influenced my career decisions. Dr. Chen was my professor of Environmental Sciences during my undergraduate studies at university. She’s a renowned expert in sustainable development and has published numerous papers on climate change mitigation strategies.
Dr. Chen’s influence on my career decisions has been multifaceted and transformative. Primarily, her passion for environmental conservation was infectious, and it ignited a similar fervor in me. Her lectures were not mere academic exercises but compelling calls to action that made me realize the urgency of addressing environmental issues.
Furthermore, Dr. Chen served as a mentor, guiding me through my first research project on urban sustainability. This experience was pivotal, as it honed my analytical skills and introduced me to the rigors and rewards of scientific research. Her meticulous approach to data analysis and her insistence on evidence-based conclusions shaped my own research methodology.
Moreover, Dr. Chen facilitated my attendance at several international conferences on climate change. These experiences broadened my horizons and allowed me to network with leading experts in the field. Through these interactions, I gained a global perspective on environmental challenges and potential solutions.
Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Chen encouraged me to pursue a career that aligned with my values and passions. She emphasized the importance of making a meaningful contribution to society through one’s work. This advice led me to focus on sustainable urban planning, a field where I felt I could make a tangible impact.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s influence extended beyond academic guidance. She served as a role model, demonstrating how one can blend scholarly pursuits with practical applications to address real-world problems. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my career path and instilling in me a sense of purpose and responsibility towards our environment.”
Influential mentor guiding student's career path
Follow-up Questions:
- How important do you think mentors are in shaping one’s career?
- Do you believe that family members or professional contacts have a greater influence on career decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think mentors are quite important in shaping one’s career. They can provide guidance and share their experiences, which can be very helpful. As for family members or professional contacts, I believe both can be influential. Family members know us well and want the best for us, while professional contacts have more industry-specific knowledge.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Mentors play a crucial role in career development. They offer invaluable insights, share industry knowledge, and provide a supportive network. A good mentor can help navigate complex career decisions and offer perspectives that we might not consider on our own.
Regarding the influence of family members versus professional contacts, I believe it’s not a matter of one being greater than the other, but rather how these influences complement each other. Family members often provide emotional support and help shape our core values, which indirectly influence our career choices. They have a longitudinal view of our growth and potential.
On the other hand, professional contacts offer sector-specific expertise and can provide more targeted advice on industry trends and opportunities. They can also facilitate networking and open doors to new possibilities.
Ideally, one would benefit from both types of influence. The key is to synthesize these diverse perspectives to make informed career decisions that align with both our personal values and professional aspirations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think the role of career influencers has changed with the rise of social media?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think social media has made career influencers more accessible. Now, we can easily follow successful people in our field and learn from their posts and videos. This has given us more options for career guidance. However, it’s also important to be careful about the advice we find online, as not all of it may be reliable.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The advent of social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of career influence. Traditionally, career influencers were limited to one’s immediate circle – family, teachers, or local professionals. Now, social media platforms have democratized access to a vast array of influencers across various industries and geographical locations.
This shift has both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, it has broadened the horizons for many individuals, exposing them to diverse career paths and opportunities they might not have considered otherwise. It’s now possible to gain insights from industry leaders and successful professionals through their posts, live sessions, or online courses.
However, this abundance of information also presents challenges. The quality and credibility of advice can vary greatly on social media. There’s a risk of receiving oversimplified or even misleading career guidance. Moreover, the curated nature of social media content might create unrealistic expectations about certain career paths.
Another significant change is the emergence of new career paths directly related to social media influence. ‘Influencer’ itself has become a viable career option, blurring the lines between personal branding and professional development.
In conclusion, while social media has undoubtedly expanded the reach and diversity of career influencers, it has also necessitated a more discerning approach to consuming career advice. The key lies in balancing online insights with real-world experiences and personalized guidance to make informed career decisions.”
Social media influencers sharing career advice on various platforms
Describe a person who has a positive influence on you is another related topic that can help you prepare for discussing influential figures in your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Mentor /ˈmentɔːr/ (noun): An experienced person who advises and helps someone with less experience.
Example: “Dr. Chen served as a mentor throughout my academic journey.”Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “Her guidance was pivotal in shaping my career path.”To broaden one’s horizons (phrase): To expand the range of one’s knowledge, interests, or experiences.
Example: “Attending international conferences broadened my horizons in the field of environmental science.”To make a meaningful contribution (phrase): To do something that has a significant positive impact.
Example: “She encouraged me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful contribution to society.”To instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “Her mentorship instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards the environment.”To navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To find one’s way through a complex situation or process.
Example: “A good mentor can help navigate complex career decisions.”
Describe a person who is an expert in a specific field can provide additional context for discussing influential figures in your career, especially when talking about mentors or role models.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a person who has influenced your career decisions:
- Be specific: Provide concrete examples of how this person influenced you.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to career development and influence.
- Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the impact this person has had on your career choices.
- Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all points in the cue card.
- Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Demonstrate your language skills while conveying your personal experiences effectively.
Describe a person who has influenced your personal growth is a closely related topic that can help you practice discussing influential figures in your life, which is valuable for this type of IELTS Speaking question.