Here are some helpful questions that may give you a better idea of a profession. Alums are eager to talk about what they do, so don't worry about imposing. Ask away!

• What is the outlook for this field?
• What are the major issues? The big picture?
• What do you wish you had known about this field when your were my age?
• How do you spend your average day?
• Do you like what you do? What are your greatest frustrations at work?
• Do you work autonomously, or in a team? How much flexibility do you have?
• How can I best prepare for this field - through coursework, extracurricular activities, or professional associations?
• What are the main obstacles to entering the field?
• Is there on-the-job training?
• What about advancement opportunities? What is a typical career path?
• What advice do you have about my resume?
• What books or professional journals might be useful to read?
• What people or organizations would it be helpful for me to contact for information?
• If relevant: Are there any special advantages or disadvantages for women in your field or organization?

For those thinking about doing informational interviewing, you can also ask questions like:

• To whom should I talk next to learn more about this field/industry/position?
• If I look for an internship or job in this field, where would you suggest I look?
• What else do you think I need to know in order to make a good decision about working in this area?
• Are there professional or networking groups that I can join to expand my knowledge of this field?