Research is fun.
Like, really fun. It's not at all like your research projects that you were forced to do in high school. You don't pick a topic from a list that makes you want to beat your head against the wall, and you don't have to spend hours figuring out a way to re-word the thousands of papers already written on the same subject to make it "your own". Undergraduate research is more like a page 45-level Google search: You have this burning question that you really want to see answered, so you spend weeks and months and sometimes years to find it. Research is not learning what is already known, it is ADDING knowledge to the world.
I finished up my research project with my partner in May, and it was accepted at the Association for Psychological Sciences conference in Chicago, where we did a presentation. As this was my first time at a huge conference, I was understandably nervous. I had no idea what to wear (Are flats okay, or should I be wearing heels? What about a suit? Do I need a suit to present in?), what to say (It's a 50 minute poster presentation! Do I have to talk for 50 minutes? I really don't think I have that much information.), or even how to make important connections (All of these people are so accomplished in their field...why would they give me the time of day?). Of course, as always, I was stressing myself out over nothing, but it has prompted me to write down a few tips so that you can feel more at ease with your very first conference.
1. Get all travel arrangements out of the way early.
Nothing is more frustrating than having to stay at the hotel down the block because you didn't plan accordingly. Also, booking your trip last minute is EXPENSIVE.
2. Find someone at the conference that you want to meet.
Conferences are all about networking. Do you know of a researcher in your field that you want to meet? Ask them if they are attending the conference, and, if so, go ahead and see if you can set up a time to talk.
3. Go to the poster presentations.
For me, the poster presentations were my favorite part. Everyone was so excited to present their research, and loved talking one-on-one with me about it. I certainly made a lot of good connections that I wouldn't have otherwise, and that might come in handy one day.
4. D not wear booty shorts, a tank top and flip flops to the conference.
I wish I didn't have to say it, but I saw it, so in the list it goes. Generally acceptable attire is "business casual" This means a nice top, slacks or a knee-length skirt, and flats are acceptable. Actually, flats are pretty much a must. You THINK you're going to be sitting down all day, but there is a lot of walking and a lot of standing. Do yourself a favor and bring flats. Think about what you would wear to meet your significant other's parents for the first time, and you're probably right on the mark with the "modesty" bit.
5. Double check the guidelines on presenting.
Yes, it says "45 minute presentation." But if you look online, it says "30 minute lecture with 15 minute Q&A". That would be a very big "oops" if you didn't prepare for it.
6. Conferences are information avalanches, so take breaks.
I know, there are so many cool presentations, and you want to go to all of them. However, conferences are exhausting, because they demand so much mental energy. Schedule yourself a few one to two hour breaks from lectures throughout the day to give yourself time to recuperate.
7. Write on the backs of business cards.
Your brain will be a sad bowl of jello by the end of the day, and you won't be able to remember who the person you talked to at 8 A.M. this morning even looks like. Write on the back of their business card what you talked about, and make sure to email them once the conference is over to make a connection.
8. About business cards... bring them!
Even though you're a student, you're representing your school and your research department. Most students don't have one, so a business card is a good way to stand out.
9. Bring snacks.
The prices at the conference were astronomical, and on a student budget, I was glad to have a protein bar in my purse. Conferences demand a lot of brain power, so I found myself hungry more often than I thought I would be.
10. Eat locally, and try to see a little bit of the city.
Some people may disagree with me here, but I love cities with all of my heart. I like to eat locally: Good recommendations come from the staff of the conference and of course, your taxi drivers. I also like to make time to wander around the city for about an hour or so. My partner and I went to a local coffee shop she had heard about a few blocks down, and that was a lot of fun.
11. Enjoy yourself.
I know this is cliché, but you really do need to enjoy yourself. Feel empowered and reinvigorated by all these people who love their field just as much as you do.
