Let's Present at a Conference Part I
Presentations are deeply embedded in the professional world. Across fields, a presentation is required to greenlight any large-scale idea. Here's why you should try to present at a professional conference.
By Norrell Edwards — January 6, 2023
I have talked about the benefit of participating in summer programs here before. I want to dig a little deeper into one specific benefit from summer programs: conferencing. Both the summer research programs I participated in during undergrad culminated in a presentation on my research. At the time, I was very ambivalent about giving these presentations. I even felt frustrated by how often we practiced giving our presentations in one program. In retrospect, I can really the utility of that practice. The truth is presentations are deeply embedded in the professional world. Across fields, a presentation is required to greenlight any large-scale idea. Even smaller presentations might be required to update your team on the work you do. If I were to do undergrad over again—I would try to present at a professional conference. Let me explain.
I presented at a handful of undergraduate level conferences. That means everyone presenting was an undergraduate student. There were certainly benefits to this. The next level of engagement would be presenting at a professional level conference where most of the presenters are professionals in the field (post-degrees). A few weeks ago, I attended the annual conference for the National Women's Studies Association. My colleague brought a handful of undergraduate students to participate and even present at the conference. I have heard this conference colloquially referred to as the Black Feminist Super Bowl. If you're interested in feminist studies today from academia to the nonpr ofit sector—this is an influential conference to attend. I've worked across several sections from education, criminal justice reform and advocacy to fundraising and journalism. Most professions have one if not multiple associations and affiliated conferences.
As you're strategizing on how to get your foot in the door of a field—ask yourself—what are the big associations of my field? What are the subfields and relevant associations? Perhaps you're a Psychology major-you could try attending the American Psychological Association's (APA) next annual conference, but if you're particularly interested in Development Psych maybe the Cognitive Development Society would be a better fit. Or attend both if you can! A simple google search could help you find associations and conferences in Psychology or whatever your desired field, as well as calls for papers (CFPs). These announcements soliciting people to apply to conferences.
So, you're thinking— I'm just in undergrad, how do I get myself into one of these conferences?! Well, finding a faculty mentor could be your first step. Find a faculty mentor to develop a relationship with and then ask them what conferences they regularly attend and if they could support bringing you to one. Now, this is NOT something appropriate to ask the first time you meet with a faculty member. This is a question that is appropriate after a few meetings. Of course, it is not guaranteed that this professor will support you in th is way. If they don't that's okay. It never hurts to try.
If you develop a strong, genuine relationship with a professor—your chances of success increase. If one professor says no, don't be afraid to make connections with other professors and ask them as well. Now, some conferences have a dedicated undergraduate research component built-in to their structure. So, you could just apply to a panel. Conferences can vary so do your research and don't be afraid to email follow up questions to the organization's contact email.
Norrell Edwards
Norrell Edwards is a scholar, educator, and communications consultant for non-profit organizations. Her employment experience and research interests place her work at the nexus of global Black identity, cultural memory, and social justice. Norrell graduated with a BA in English Literature from Hunter’s College followed by a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park in 20th and 21st Century Black Diaspora Literature.
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