Small Talk, Big Impact: Tips for Terrific Small Talk – Part 6
We’re glad to see you back! In this installment, we delve into the topics of work and education, which are often central to our identities and daily lives. Discussing these topics in English can help you connect on a professional level and share educational experiences.
Why Talk About Work and Education?
Conversations about work and education are common in almost every social setting, from casual meetups to networking events. They provide insight into one’s background, interests, and expertise, and can pave the way for deeper connections and professional opportunities.
Key Vocabulary for Work and Education Conversations
- Job Title (noun) [ʤɒb taɪtəl] – The name given to a particular position or job function.
- Example: “I recently got promoted to Senior Project Manager.”
- Education System (noun phrase) [ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃən ˈsɪstɪm] – The system comprising everything related to formal schooling, from primary to tertiary education.
- Example: “The education system in Finland is often praised for its innovative approaches.”
- Work Tasks (noun phrase) [wɜːk tæsks] – Specific duties or responsibilities assigned as part of a job.
- Example: “My daily work tasks include managing the client portfolio and attending strategy meetings.”
- Degree (noun) [dɪˈgriː] – An academic award conferred by a college or university after the completion of a course of study.
- Example: “I earned my degree in Economics from the University of Toronto.”
- Colleague (noun) [ˈkɒliːg] – A person with whom one works in a profession or business.
- Example: “I have lunch with my colleagues from the marketing department every Friday.”
- Resume (noun) [ˈrɛzjʊmeɪ] – A document used by a person to present their backgrounds and skills for a job application.
- Example: “I need to update my resume with my most recent job experience.”
- Internship (noun) [ˈɪntɜːnʃɪp] – A period of professional experience offered by an employer to give students and graduates exposure to the working environment.
- Example: “I completed an internship at a tech startup last summer.”
- Scholarship (noun) [ˈskɒləʃɪp] – A grant or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement.
- Example: “She received a scholarship to study abroad in Japan.”
- Promotion (noun) [prəˈməʊʃən] – The action of raising someone to a higher position or rank.
- Example: “After three years of hard work, I finally received a promotion.”
- Certification (noun) [ˌsɜː.tɪˈfɪ.keɪ.ʃən] – The process of giving official or legal approval to someone or something.
- Example: “I’m studying for my certification in digital marketing.”
Engaging Questions to Ask About Work and Education
- “What do you do for a living?”
- “Where did you go to school?”
- “What does a typical day at your job look like?”
- “Have you taken any professional development courses recently?”
Example Conversation:
Emily: I noticed you mentioned you’re a graphic designer. What kind of work tasks do you usually handle?
Marco: Most of my day is spent creating visual content for various digital marketing campaigns. How about you? What’s your job title?
Emily: I’m an Educational Consultant. I primarily help schools integrate technology in their education systems.
Marco: That sounds fascinating. Have you worked on any interesting projects recently?
Emily: Yes, I’m currently working on a project that offers scholarships to talented students from underserved communities. It’s really rewarding.
Talking about work and education in English can open many doors, both socially and professionally. It not only helps you share your experiences but also deepens your understanding of the person you’re speaking with. Whether you’re at a conference, a party, or even in an online meeting, these conversations can provide rich, engaging content for everyone involved.
Want to practice a little? Leave a comment below and tell us what you do! You can also test your knowledge by taking our quiz! See you next time.
#1. What does a ‘degree’ signify in education?
#2. What is an ‘internship’?
#3. What is the purpose of a ‘resume’?
#4. What is a ‘colleague’?
#5. What happens when someone receives a ‘promotion’?
#6. What are ‘work tasks’?
#7. What does ‘job title’ refer to?
#8. What is ‘certification’?
#9. What is meant by ‘education system’?
#10. What does ‘scholarship’ refer to?
Results
