How to find out what it's really like to work in a profession

Dear coach:

I'm trying to land on a great career, but I'm not sure I'm getting the real story when I talk to people in the field I'm considering.  I'm only hearing the positives (or sometimes only the negatives).  How can I get the real scoop? 

Flummoxed

Dear Flummoxed:

It's natural for most people to put the best possible face on their profession when they're talking to a new grad considering their field.  They don't want to squash your enthusiasm.  But you know that jobs, like life, cannot be fascinating 24/7. If you get only glowing reports, you need to ask more questions.  Every job has its challenges, and its best to know what they are and if you can live with them. 

You might try some open ended questions that indicate that you're willing to know the whole truth.  You can try questions like: "What characteristics do you have to have to make you happy in this job?"; "What do you consider the hardest part of your job?" ;  What kind of people are not suited to working in your position?"  Answers to questions like these should give a better idea of what it's like to work in the field.

You're really trying to find out whether your temperament and interest are a match.  If you're thinking of being an event planner, for example, the answers to your questions might reveal that you need great organizational skills and attention to detail to be happy in the job.  That dealing with clients during especially challenging times in their lives (think weddings) can be hard because they often react emotionally.  And that people who don't adapt well to rapidly changing circumstances (think the caterer doesn't show up) don't last long in the field.

Once you let people know by your questions that you really want to know the whole story on a profession, they'll help you fill in the picture.