6 Pieces of Advice to Help Graduate Students Make the Most of Upcoming Conferences
APSA COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF GRADUATE STUDENTS
As we dive into the exciting events and opportunities ahead, we are thrilled to have you on board as part of our vibrant community.
As many of you may know, the spring season is a bustling time for conferences in our field. We’re eagerly looking forward to the International Studies Association (ISA), Western Political Science Association (WPSA), and Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) conferences, among others. These gatherings offer invaluable chances to engage with fellow scholars, present your research, and expand your academic horizons.
Here are a six pieces of advice to help you make the most out of these upcoming conferences:
1. Prepare and Practice
Take the time to thoroughly prepare your presentations and anticipate potential questions. Practice your delivery to ensure clarity and confidence when presenting your work. See Dr. Jess Calarco’s excellent write-up on delivering a conference presentation.
2. Network with Purpose
Conferences are not only about presenting your research but also about building connections within the academic community. Be proactive in networking with scholars whose work interests you, and don’t hesitate to initiate conversations or attend networking events. We also encourage horizontal networking – making connections with other graduate students – as these relationships can lead to fruitful collaboration and a healthy support system in the academy. One easy tip for doing this is to go through the program and find a few people doing work similar to yours, email them, and ask to meet.
3. Attend Diverse Panels
While it’s important to attend panels related to your research interests, don’t shy away from exploring diverse topics and disciplines. Conferences offer a unique opportunity to broaden your intellectual horizons and gain insights from various perspectives.
4. Engage in Discussions
Don’t hesitate to participate in Q&A sessions and engage in discussions during panels. Asking thoughtful questions and offering insights not only enhances your learning experience but also demonstrates your active engagement in the academic discourse.
5. Attend Business Meetings and Socials
These meetings offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization operates, including discussions on policy decisions, strategic planning, and future initiatives. By participating in these meetings, students gain insight into the inner workings of the field and have the chance to contribute their perspectives and ideas. Additionally, networking with established scholars and professionals in these settings can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaboration prospects, and a deeper understanding of the professional landscape. Many sections also sponsor socials, which give additional opportunities to meet and network with colleagues. We have included a link to the business meetings and socials for ISA and WPSA. MPSAs meetings and events can be found through the meeting program.
6. Follow-Up
After the conference, remember to follow up with individuals you’ve connected with. Send thank-you emails, connect on professional networking platforms, and explore potential collaborations or opportunities for further discussion.
We hope these tips will help you navigate and maximize your experience at the upcoming conferences. Remember, conferences are not only about showcasing your research but also about learning, networking, and fostering connections that can enrich your academic journey!
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming conferences!