Academic conferences allow you to:
- Start developing your research agenda. Get useful feedback on your research as you convert conference papers into journal articles.
- Gain visibility with future colleagues, employers, and future collaborators.
- Start networking and meet people (other graduate students, future colleagues and mentors, researchers you admire).
- Interview for jobs.
Which conferences?
Most UW departments are well-represented at key national academic conferences.
Many professional associations have divisions that may reflect your department’s areas of expertise. Graduate students also find it useful to present their research at topic-specific conferences. Check with faculty to see which organizations hold conferences where it would be appropriate for your research to be presented.
When and how?
Deadlines for conferences are usually noted on academic organizations’ websites. When considering how to submit your research, be sure to check submission requirements. Some conferences require full papers, while others will consider only abstracts. Be sure to adhere to these details and all deadlines, and be sure to submit your work to a relevant division! (What constitutes “relevant?” Check abstracts and programs from previous years’ conferences.)
At the conference…
Some departments provide funds that allow you to travel to conferences to present your research. In addition to talking about your research in a variety of ways, take advantage of being at the conference to learn about the field, meet other people, and participate.
Presenting your research
You will be judged first and foremost on your research, which means that you should strive for a great presentation. In other words:
- Know what attendees at this particular conference expect, e.g., reading your paper vs. summarizing your paper? PowerPoint slides?
- Know your research and what it contributes to the larger body of research.
- Never, ever, exceed the allotted time! Think of your presentation as a headline service. You cannot cover all points, so select the ones you believe are most important.
How to navigate the conference
Read the conference program; attend the sessions that interest you, but don’t plan every hour.
Be ready with a brief “elevator talk” about your research. Conferences are very busy times, and people will not have time to hear a full explication of all your research projects.
Identify the individuals you would like to meet and ask your mentor/adviser to introduce you.
Introduce yourself to people. Many graduate students feel as if they know no one, so you’re not alone. If you are interested in meeting faculty and “big names,” walk up to them when they appear to have a spare moment, and talk about how you are using their research in your own work. Chances are they will want to learn more about you and your work.
Attend graduate forums and receptions.
Socialize at receptions held by various departments and schools.
Regardless of the sessions you attend and the people you meet, always remain professional. You want to be remembered for your research and professional demeanor, not anything else!