Your student representatives to Div. 20 have created a list of conference networking tips that other student members may find helpful at this year’s APA convention and other professional meetings.
Network with experts
Attending conferences is a great opportunity to meet experts (e.g., professors and professionals) in the field, many of whom you may be familiar with or even have cited in your own work. It can be nerve-wracking trying to introduce yourself. Just remember, every expert was once a student like you, so don’t be afraid to approach them and spark up a conversation. Some ideas of how to get the conversation started are to sit next to experts at roundtable discussions, ask questions during or after a symposium, or approach them at social events. If you are having trouble getting a conversation started with the experts or are nervous to approach them by yourself, ask your professors, colleagues, and friends to introduce you. Use your established network to expand your network even further -- snowball networking!
Attend student events
Fellow students at conferences will become colleagues, as well as friends, that you will keep for the rest of your career. Attending events specifically for students is a great way to meet and connect with students from different universities. If you connect with another student and have similar research interests or career goals, ask them to grab a coffee with you to continue the conversation or invite them out to dinner with your group of friends. Also, introduce each other to your professors. Keep in contact throughout the year, and you might find project ideas and collaboration opportunities.
Make business cards
Having business cards at the ready is a great way to have your information at the ready for potential collaborations and connections. Many experts meet a lot of students at conferences, so it is helpful to be able to provide them with a business card after meeting them. You can even write something on the back that will help spark their memory of your conversation when they reference it later (e.g., research interests, what you discussed with them).
Be kind, open and calm
Being at a conference can be a little nerve-wracking; you are surrounded by big names with long vitae. But one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to calm your nerves and be kind by expressing genuine interest in others. Every person you meet will be a future colleague. Also remember, you are always making an impression on someone during conferences so be cognizant of your surroundings and always act in a professional manner.