Qualitative interviews are widely used to generate rich insights, yet training often falls short in preparing researchers for the practical realities of fieldwork. While textbooks and journal articles introduce researchers to core concepts and academic standards such as methodological rigor, reflexivity, and ethical research practices, they often do not sufficiently equip early-career scholars with the tools needed to navigate fieldwork challenges. Developed with this critical training gap in mind, this paper aims to demonstrate how early-career scholars from diverse disciplines can prepare for and conduct rigorous stationary and mobile interviews. Illustrated through experiential vignettes from an interdisciplinary authorship team of four graduate students across three qualitative studies in the United States (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; Boulder County, Colorado; New York City, New York), we identify challenges encountered and lessons learned during fieldwork. Key cross-cutting themes specific to early-career researchers include administrative and logistical challenges; building trust and emotional engagement with participants and co-researchers; unique positionality as early-career researchers; and researcher well-being and self-care. We call for expanded mentored fieldwork opportunities across higher education and practical, interdisciplinary training in qualitative interviewing. The adaptable data collection and reflexive analytical strategies outlined in this paper and supplementary fieldwork guide aim to support early-career scholars in navigating, personalizing, and enhancing the rigor of qualitative fieldwork.
Savard et al. (Mon,) studied this question.