Make the most of your next professional conference

Three students pose in front of the National Black MBA Association backdrop.

Professional conferences are a great way to grow your network and make connections that can be critical to landing your next job or internship.

As a Brandeis International Business School student, there are so many opportunities to attend amazing conferences — including the ROMBA Conference, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Convention and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference and Exposition, just to name a few.

I recently attended the NBMBAA conference in Philadelphia. It was an unforgettable experience filled with valuable insights, networking opportunities and fun!

Here are four tips for making the most of your next professional conference experience.

1) Do your homework

Always be prepared! That means doing your conference-prep homework before you even get on the plane.

Identify the companies you’re interested in and research their job opportunities in advance. This will help you make the most of your time.

Also don’t forget to connect with your Career Coach before the conference. Having your resume polished and your elevator pitch well-rehearsed will help you leave a great first impression with employers.

2) Arrive early

The early bird catches the worm, as the saying goes.

Arriving early at the conference can give you a critical head-start as you look to build your professional network and impress employers.

High-traffic booths at conferences can quickly become crowded. Don’t get lost in the shuffle! Being among the first to approach top companies can make all the difference.

3) Keep an open mind

Don’t just make the rounds with the biggest or most well-known companies. Sometimes the representatives at smaller or less crowded booths are more receptive to in-depth conversations and interviews. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.

It’s also important to remember that networking is not just limited to the career fair floor. Be open to starting conversations in other settings, such as the hotel lobby, during sessions, on the street outside the venue or at after-parties.

Some of your best connections and insights may come from these unexpected encounters!

4) Follow-up on LinkedIn

When you spot someone whose work aligns with your interests, take a moment to check their name on their badge and look them up on LinkedIn.

This proactive approach can help you strike up meaningful conversations and leave a lasting impression.

By using your conference experience to build your LinkedIn network, you’ll be well-positioned to capitalize on future job and internship opportunities well after the event has concluded.

Student Insights features blog posts produced by current students and recent graduates of Brandeis International Business School. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author.