With the increasing diversity of career paths today, choosing the right profession plays a key role in each individual’s personal and professional growth. “Talk about your career choice” is not only a familiar topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2, but it is also explored in greater depth in Part 3, where you are expected to describe, analyze, and give personal opinions.
This article from IDP will guide you through common questions, sample answers, vocabulary, and useful phrases to help you confidently express your ideas and showcase your language skills.
1. Common Questions for the Topic “Talk about Your Career Choice” – IELTS Speaking Part 1
Do you work or study?
What do you like about your job?/ Why did you choose to do that type of work?
What job would you like to do in the future?
What job would you like to have ten years from now?
How useful will English be for your future?
How do you think your life will change in the future?
2. Sample Answers for “Talk about Your Career Choice” – IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: Do you work or study?
I’m a recent university graduate, and I’m currently pursuing a career as a Mandarin language instructor. I’ve been in this profession for about six months, working for a prestigious educational institution in District 1.
High-scoring vocabulary:
pursuing a career = following a profession
prestigious = well-known and respected
situated in = located in
Question: What job would you like to do in the future?
In the foreseeable future, I aspire to become a software engineer. This profession fascinates me due to its ever-evolving nature and immense potential to foster innovation. I want to design complex systems that solve real-world problems efficiently and meaningfully.
High-scoring vocabulary:
aspire to = aim to
ever-evolving = constantly changing
fostering innovation = encouraging innovation
address complex challenges = solve difficult problems
Question: How do you think your life will change in the future?
It's hard to predict, but I imagine myself being career-driven and as busy as a bee, steadily climbing the professional ladder. I might also have a family to take care of, which would require balancing personal and work responsibilities with a lot of resilience and flexibility. Still, I believe everything will eventually fall into place.
High-scoring vocabulary:
as busy as a bee = very busy
climbing the career ladder = advancing in your job
resilience = ability to recover from difficulties
fall into place = work out well
3. IELTS Speaking Part 2: Talk About Your Career Choice in the Future
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will need to speak continuously for about 1–2 minutes on a specific topic given by the examiner on a cue card. This is the part where you demonstrate your ability to speak coherently, develop ideas, and use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar.
Talk about your career choice in the future
You should say:
What is this job?
What qualification or experience you would need for this job
What the job would involve
What the most difficult thing about the job would be
4. Sample Outline for “Talk about Your Career Choice in the Future”
Below is a sample outline and sample arguments you can refer to for the topic “Talk about your career choice in the future and why”
What is this job | A doctor is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent diseases and illnesses. It’s a respected and essential job in society, focused on improving people’s health and saving lives. |
What qualification or experience you would need for this job
| A strong academic background, especially in science subjects like biology and chemistry. A university degree in medicine (usually 6–8 years of study). Practical training through internships or residency programs in hospitals. A medical license and ongoing professional development. |
What the job would involve
| Examining and diagnosing patients. Prescribing treatments or medications. Working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Communicating clearly and compassionately with patients. Working long hours and sometimes handling emergency cases. |
What the most difficult thing about the job would be | Dealing with life-and-death situations and emotional stress. Long working hours, including night shifts or weekends. Making tough decisions under pressure. Keeping up with constant advancements in medical knowledge. |
5. Sample Answer – “Talk About Your Career Choice” (Teacher)
Although I currently have a well-paid office job, my long-term dream is to become a mathematics teacher. I’ve always been passionate about numbers, and I enjoy breaking down complex equations. For me, teaching is more than just a profession—it’s a calling.
I believe a great teacher can deeply impact students’ lives, and I aspire to be that kind of person. Teaching would allow me to use my passion to help students overcome their fear of math. I would aim to create a supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and grow.
Of course, becoming a successful teacher is not easy, but I’m willing to invest the time, effort, and perseverance needed. Seeing my students’ progress would be the most rewarding achievement I could ask for.
High-scoring vocabulary:
well-paid = earning a good salary
calling = a profession you are deeply drawn to
break down = explain in simple terms
foster = encourage
perseverance = persistence despite difficulty
6. Sample Answers – “Talk About Your Career Choice” Part 3
Question: What changes in employment have there been recently in your country?
There has been a clear shift from traditional office jobs to remote work. For example, companies like Google now allow employees to work from home, which saves time and boosts productivity. Freelancing is also on the rise, especially among content creators on platforms like YouTube. Many of them earn well by building personal brands and partnering with companies. The modern workforce is becoming more digital, flexible, and independent.
High-scoring vocabulary:
shift in employment
remote work
freelancing
content creators
build a personal brand
Question: Which jobs are most respected in your country?
In Vietnam, people respect both manual and intellectual jobs. However, doctors are especially admired for their role in saving lives and caring for the sick. Teachers are also respected for helping improve literacy and education. Both careers contribute greatly to the development of society.
Question: Why do some people choose difficult jobs?
Some are motivated by a strong sense of purpose. Doctors and teachers, for example, often find joy in helping others. Others enjoy the challenge of overcoming difficulties and pushing their limits. For them, the hard work is worth it because it brings growth and personal satisfaction.
7. Vocabulary for “Talk About Your Career Choice”
Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
Engineer | A person who designs systems | He is a civil engineer. |
Flight attendant | Airline staff who serve passengers | The flight attendant was very helpful. |
Interpreter | Someone who translates languages | She works as an interpreter. |
Journalist | A person who writes or reports news | Journalists must be objective. |
Astronaut | Space traveler | The astronaut walked on the moon. |
Artist | Someone who creates art | She is a famous painter. |
Firefighter | Emergency responder who puts out fires | Firefighters are brave and selfless. |
Paramedic | Emergency medical responder | The paramedic provided first aid. |
Entrepreneur | A person who starts a business | Being an entrepreneur requires risk-taking. |
Auditor | Someone who checks financial records | She is an internal auditor. |
8. Useful Sentence Structures and Idioms for the Topic
Describing your job or current position:
Currently, I work as a...
I’m employed as a...
I hold the position of...
Describing your job responsibilities:
I’m responsible for...
My duties include...
I manage...
It involves...
Common idioms related to careers:
As busy as a bee – very busy
Get a foot in the door – get a low-level job as a starting point
Burn the midnight oil – work late into the night
A dead-end job – no chance for advancement
Climb the career ladder – progress in your career
Speak Confidently About Career Choices with IDP
With a strong vocabulary, well-organized ideas, and idiomatic expressions, you can confidently tackle the topic “Talk about your career choice” in the IELTS Speaking test. For more topics and tips, explore the personalized IELTS preparation resources provided by IDP.
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