Agreed. I actively try to see how long I can talk to a person without getting anywhere near what their job is. Yes, the job may be interesting but most people

Agreed. I actively try to see how long I can talk to a person without getting anywhere near what their job is. Yes, the job may be interesting but most people are MUCH more interesting than being reduced to "I'm an engineer" "i work at apple" whatever. My answer is that i tell people I'm an aspiring astronaut...because I am. I have no qualifications and zero contacts in the space industry but conversations about the stars and possibilities of science are a lot more interesting than talking about my businesses. I would encourage others to avoid asking "what do you do?" As well. Ask what the person's favorite book is, their favorite trip/place, their favorite memory from childhood, etc. I promise the resulting conversation will be much more interesting and also give you a better view of the person.