Most likely, you’ve heard of someone who attended a conference, got accepted to a conference or presented at a conference. You may wonder what’s the big deal over conferences. It sounds a little like a clubhouse meeting for people within a field. What’s the benefit of that? Actually, that’s exactly what a conference is and here’s why you should consider attending one.
Networking
Building connections with people in the field of the career you plan to pursue places your goals in arm’s reach. Many of the people who will present or consult during conferences started their careers when you started wearing pampers. They’ve watched the field develop into the modern wonderland you’ve come to love and can give you advice on the next steps you need to take for success. These individuals can also help you to get internships and, if you remain in contact with them, write you a recommendation for a job or graduate school.
Strangers like me?
You’ve declared your major and decided what you wanted to do for the rest of your life. At a conference, you will meet the other people who made the same choice. From the most successful to the newbies like yourself, you will get to gage the personalities of those you will work with in five or more years. Maybe you expected to work with more extroverted people. Maybe most of the people in your field work on the East Coast but you’re always been a lover of the West Coast. By meeting people in your field, you will to know if you can imagine yourself doing the same.
Motivation
If you’re at a research conference where individuals present their findings, these speeches will help you to figure out the next direction for your field and what you could do to contribute to it. At conferences that emphasize in networking where someone gets on stage and tells his or her life story, you can’t help but get inspired to do great. You can’t help but think, that’s going to be me one day and imagine yourself on stage giving your life story.
Traveling
This has nothing to do with the conference itself. In most cases, a conference won’t take place in your hometown and, sometimes, not in your country! It gives you the opportunity to see a different area that you may not have explored through the lenses of your dream career.
Tips:
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Check the registration for conferences. Some conferences are free while others come with a hefty price tag.
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If you are an underrepresented minority in a field (e.g. women in technology) look for conferences geared toward helping you to achieve your dream. Often times they allow for more networking opportunities and more direct advice to help you overcome your shortcoming.
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Carry business cards to make it easier for others to contact you later.
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Follow up with people who made an impact on you. You never know who could be your next mentor or research partner
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Just get out there! Conferences are a great way to find out more about yourself in your desired field. Take the opportunity and run with it!