Questions to Ask Guest Speakers in Class
Engaging questions that help you learn from guest speakers while demonstrating your interest in their expertise and making the most of their visit to your class.
1What inspired you to pursue your career and what led you to where you are today?
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What inspired you to pursue your career and what led you to where you are today?
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Why this works
Opens conversation on a personal note and reveals their career journey, motivations, and what inspired them to pursue their field.
2What are the biggest challenges facing your industry right now and how are you addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing your industry right now and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Shows interest in current industry issues and reveals the main challenges, problems, and how they're being addressed in their field.
3What advice do you have for students who want to enter your field?
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What advice do you have for students who want to enter your field?
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Why this works
Shows interest in career guidance and reveals their recommendations for students who want to pursue a career in their industry.
4What are the most important skills students should develop to succeed in your field?
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What are the most important skills students should develop to succeed in your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in skill development and reveals the key skills and competencies students should focus on for success in their industry.
5What are the biggest misconceptions people have about your industry?
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What are the biggest misconceptions people have about your industry?
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Why this works
Shows interest in industry understanding and reveals common misconceptions and what people should know about their field.
6What are the most exciting developments happening in your field right now?
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What are the most exciting developments happening in your field right now?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in industry trends and reveals the latest developments, innovations, and exciting changes in their field.
7What are the biggest opportunities for growth and advancement in your industry?
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What are the biggest opportunities for growth and advancement in your industry?
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Why this works
Shows interest in career opportunities and reveals the growth prospects and advancement opportunities available in their field.
8What are the biggest risks or challenges students should be aware of in your field?
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What are the biggest risks or challenges students should be aware of in your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in career planning and reveals the potential risks and challenges students should consider when entering their field.
9What are the most important trends students should be following in your industry?
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What are the most important trends students should be following in your industry?
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Why this works
Shows interest in staying current and reveals the key trends and developments students should be aware of in their field.
10What are the biggest changes you've seen in your industry over the years?
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What are the biggest changes you've seen in your industry over the years?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in industry evolution and reveals how their field has changed and evolved over time.
11What are the most important qualities for success in your field?
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What are the most important qualities for success in your field?
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Why this works
Shows interest in success factors and reveals the key qualities and characteristics needed for success in their industry.
12What are the biggest mistakes students make when entering your field?
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What are the biggest mistakes students make when entering your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in learning from experience and reveals common mistakes and how students can avoid them.
13What are the most important resources students should use to learn about your field?
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What are the most important resources students should use to learn about your field?
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Why this works
Shows interest in learning resources and reveals the best resources and tools students can use to learn about their industry.
14What are the biggest networking opportunities students should pursue in your field?
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What are the biggest networking opportunities students should pursue in your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in professional connections and reveals the networking opportunities and connections students should pursue.
15What are the biggest ethical considerations students should be aware of in your field?
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What are the biggest ethical considerations students should be aware of in your field?
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Why this works
Shows interest in professional ethics and reveals the ethical considerations and responsibilities students should understand in their field.
16What are the biggest technological changes affecting your industry?
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What are the biggest technological changes affecting your industry?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in technology impact and reveals how technological changes are affecting their industry and what students should know.
17What are the biggest global trends affecting your industry?
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What are the biggest global trends affecting your industry?
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Why this works
Shows interest in global perspectives and reveals how international trends and developments are affecting their industry.
18What are the biggest regulatory changes affecting your industry?
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What are the biggest regulatory changes affecting your industry?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in industry regulations and reveals how regulatory changes are affecting their field and what students should know.
19What are the biggest sustainability considerations in your industry?
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What are the biggest sustainability considerations in your industry?
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Why this works
Shows interest in environmental impact and reveals the sustainability considerations and environmental responsibilities in their field.
20What are the biggest future opportunities students should prepare for in your field?
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What are the biggest future opportunities students should prepare for in your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in future planning and reveals the future opportunities and trends students should prepare for in their industry.
Best Practices for Guest Speaker Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest in Their Expertise
Demonstrate authentic curiosity about their field and experience. Ask follow-up questions and show enthusiasm for learning from their insights.
Focus on Practical Applications
Ask about how their expertise applies to real-world situations and what students can learn from their experience. This shows you're thinking about practical applications.
Be Respectful and Professional
Maintain a respectful and professional tone. Show appreciation for their time and expertise, and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in learning.
Question Sequences
The Career Journey and Inspiration Sequence
The Industry Trends and Opportunities Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions That Show Lack of Preparation
Avoid questions that could be answered by basic research about their industry. Show you've done your homework and ask thoughtful, informed questions.
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Personal
Avoid questions about personal matters or private information. Focus on professional and industry-related topics that are relevant to the class.
Don't Ignore Their Expertise
Acknowledge their expertise and experience. Show appreciation for their insights and what they can teach you about their field.