Objectives This study aims to explore the experiences of undergraduate students majoring in counseling as they com plete interview assignments with practicing child counselors, using the Consensual Qualitative Research-Modified (CQR-M) method. The goal is to reveal the meaning of such field-based interview experiences in the professional de velopment of undergraduate counseling students. Methods Data were collected from 80 undergraduate students who participated in child counseling courses at B University over six semesters, from September 2020 to June 2023. The students submitted written reports after completing interviews with practicing child counselors. The data were analyzed using the CQR-M method, which involves iterative reading, individual coding, categorization, and researcher consensus. Results The analysis revealed four domains and 17 categories that reflect students’ experiences and perceived meanings of the interview assignment. First, through reflective experiences as prospective child counselors, students engaged in self-reflection and de veloped motivation and passion to grow as competent professionals. Second, through experiential learning about child counselors, they developed new perspectives on counselor qualities and expanded their understanding of roles and responsibilities grounded in real-world practice. Third, students gained experiential insight into child counseling, recognizing the uniqueness of working with child clients, the importance of parent counseling, and learning practical techniques involving play and art. Lastly, students began actively identifying concrete steps for career preparation and exploring future paths related to child counseling. Conclusions This study demonstrates that interview experiences with practicing child counselors significantly contribute to the development of professional competence and occupational identity among undergraduate coun seling students. The findings highlight the importance of integrating field-based experiences into counselor edu cation at the undergraduate level.