How Attending International Academic Conferences Can Boost Your Studies
So you’re a student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate (master's or PhD) program. You’re always looking for ways to learn and grow, right?
Apart from the lectures and practicals, there is one more thing you can do that will not only nourish your career but also your personal life. That is — attending international academic conferences. Now, you might be wondering how attending these conferences could benefit you.
Well, let’s dive into that. We’ll walk you through the benefits of attending international conferences and tell you how they can significantly help your studies and career.
But first…
What are Academic Conferences?
Before we explore the benefits, let's first understand what academic conferences are. You might be aware that academic conferences are gatherings where scholars, professionals, researchers, and students come together to share their research and ideas on topics.
These events usually feature panel discussions, networking events, presentations, workshops, session speakers and other learning and interactive sessions. These conferences are usually held in big cities across the globe. They focus on different fields like science, technology, business, and even the arts. No matter what your field of study is — you’ll always find a conference in your niche.
Where to Visit?
When it comes to attending international conferences, there are many countries that stand out for their classy venues and vibrant academic communities. Here are some of the famous countries for attending conferences:
The United States
German
France
Singapore
Additionally, you can plan your attendance in countries like Australia, Canada, India and Switzerland where you can find learning opportunities and explore new cultures.
No matter which country you choose — each has its own essence.
Benefits of Attending Academic Conferences for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Now let’s see how attending conferences will help your graduate/undergraduate study and personal development.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The best part about attending academic conferences is that you get to learn past classroom — beyond textbooks and lectures. When you attend a conference, you get to hear directly from researchers, scientists, and professionals who are at the top of their fields. Since discoveries and innovations are made constantly, you’ll learn about the latest findings and innovations that may not even be published yet.
Expanding Your Knowledge
Attending academic conferences will expose you to a wide range of topics and ideas in your field. You may come across new theories or methodologies that you didn't know earlier. This can help shape your own research. This will be a bonus if you’re working on a thesis or research project.
Networking Opportunities
One of the best parts of attending conferences is the sheer amount of networking opportunities that you get. These academic events are attended by professionals, professors, and students from all over the world. Not only that, you’ll always find an industry leader or top scientist attending these events. You’ll have the chance to meet and talk with people who share your academic interests.
By networking, you can find mentors, collaborators, and even potential employers. Imagine if you meet someone who has already done research in your area of interest. This way, you could connect with them and ask for advice. This can also lead to collaboration opportunities on future projects. You’ll also make some good friends for life along the way.
Presenting Your Own Work
Many international conferences allow students like you to present their research. This is a great opportunity if you're already working on a project or thesis. When you present your paper at a global conference, it will do wonders for your career. Not only will it boost your confidence, but it will also help you improve your communication skills.
You’ll also get feedback from experts in your field. This can help you refine your work. Also, many conferences offer publication opportunities — that means your paper can get selected for publication in renowned journals like Scopus. Plus, having a conference presentation on your resume or CV will look impressive.
Gaining a Broad Perspective
One of the unique parts of attending an academic conference is that you’ll meet people from all over the world. These conferences often have participants who come from different countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds. When you interact with them, you’ll gain a new perspective. This will help you get new insights in your field. You’ll also gain a better understanding of how your field is studied and practiced in different countries.
Travel and Experience New Cultures
Well, attending conferences may sound like a learning event, but it has its fun. When you travel to new countries, you get the chance to explore new cities, people, and their diverse cultures. No matter where you attend a conference — be it New York, Beijing, or Sydney— you’ll find time to visit famous tourist spots. You can try delicious local food, and learn more about the culture in your free time. The travel experiences will make you more adaptable and broaden your horizons.
Career Advancement
Attending any conference can do wonders for your career. As you meet professionals, researchers, and professors, you will build valuable connections. This can potentially lead to internships, job offers, or research collaborations. If you are into entrepreneurship, you may also find a future partner for your startup. Many academic conferences are sponsored by companies that are looking for new talent. This means you can find a job in your field just by attending!
Improving Soft Skills
Many of us think that attending a conference is just about learning new information and networking — but it’s not. Conferences help you sharpen your soft skills. They help you improve your communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. When you participate in discussions or ask questions, it will help you develop skills that are good for both your personal and professional success. Also, presenting your paper will do wonders in improving your soft skills.
Tips for Successful Participation
While attending a conference is great, there are many ways in which you can get the most out of the experience:
Plan Ahead: Plan your itinerary from day one. Look at the conference schedule and decide which sessions you would like to attend. Plan what you’re going to do in your free time. Research the conference venue and your accommodation well to avoid any stress.
Take Notes: Bring a notebook or laptop to the conference. Make notes and jot down ideas or interesting research.
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask presenters questions. It shows you’re engaged and interested. This will also boost your confidence and soft skills.
Network: Attend networking events. Exchange contact information with people you meet. After the conference, follow up.
Eat and Sleep well: In order to stay active, constantly drink water and eat small meals throughout the day. Make sure you sleep adequately at night.
Conclusion
Attending international academic conferences offers tens of benefits for undergraduate or graduate students. You will get to learn and network with like-minded people. You can present your research and develop a wide perspective. These conferences will help you grow academically and professionally. Not to mention, the chance to travel and experience new cultures will add to your personal growth. So, if you're serious about your studies and career, start attending academic conferences globally!
This post written by guest author Allan J.
