open · Icebreaker · 10–20 min · 4-20 people · low energy

Conversation Starter: First Job

This icebreaker uses the prompt of 'first job' to spark connections and shared experiences within a group. It's effective for building rapport by revealing surprising or relatable aspects of participants' pasts.

When to use Conversation Starter: First Job

Use this method at the beginning of a workshop or meeting to help participants find common ground and ease into more complex discussions.

What it solves

Difficulty connecting on a personal level, superficial introductions.

How to run Conversation Starter: First Job, step by step

  1. Introduce the activity and explain the three rounds. (2 minutes)
  2. Round 1: Each participant shares their first job. (5 minutes)
  3. Round 2: Participants share what they learned from that job. (5 minutes)
  4. Round 3: Participants discuss how their first job relates to their current role. (8 minutes)

Materials needed

  • None

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to listen actively and find connections.
  • Be prepared to share your own first job experience to set the tone.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants focusing only on the negative aspects of their first job.
  • Remind them to also consider the positive lessons learned.

Variations

  • Use a different prompt, such as 'first concert' or 'first pet'.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions and a shared document to record key learnings.

What it produces

Shared anecdotes and identified commonalities among participants.

Origin

Adapted from Erica Marx Coaching — source

Build a session around Conversation Starter: First Job

METODIC places Conversation Starter: First Job inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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