Voices: Tips for Early Career Conference Attendees
CASE’s annual Summer Institutes are geared toward newcomers to the profession. We asked several Institute faculty members what advice they have for attendees—and what they had to say is relevant to seasoned professionals, too! Not surprisingly, the top advice comes under the umbrella of networking.
“You’ll definitely learn things but what will last forever are your connections. Build your network, make friends with as many people as you can. It will enrich your career for years to come.”
– Dayana Kibilds, Strategy Director, Ologie, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
“Be present. All the work and emails that are being sent to you can wait (and I promise they will wait for you). Take this opportunity to grow your network, grow your mind, and have fun!”
– Caryn Schultz Korman, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Donor Engagement, University of Illinois Chicago, U.S.
“Find three takeaways and share them with your team when you return to work. It shows that you were actively involved, took this opportunity seriously, and are committed to your team’s success.”
– Katie Young, Director of Alumni Relations, Greenhill School, Addison, Texas, U.S.
“Meet as many people as possible. Your network will always be among your most valuable assets.”
– James B. Piatt, Jr., Senior Vice President, University Advancement and External Affairs, Elon University, North Carolina, U.S.
“Take a lot of notes and keep a list of things you want to follow up on. Begin to build your personal board of directors and reach out to them to build relationships after the [conference].”
– Erika Jordan, Vice President of Alumni Engagement, Boston University, Massachusetts, U.S.
“It’s easy to hop back into business as usual. Schedule time on your calendar to share conference takeaways with colleagues, to brainstorm new ideas from conference sessions, and reflect on how lessons learned at the conference will impact your professional identity and development.”
– Terrance Smith, Senior Director of Student and Young Alumni Engagement, University of Georgia, U.S.
“Meet a lot of people, get all your questions answered, and pick three to five ideas to implement.”
– Karl Miller-Lugo, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement, University of Texas at San Antonio, U.S.
“Attend every session and embrace every moment of the experience.”
– Lacie LaRue, Assistant Vice President of Advancement Strategies and Technology Innovation, University of Oregon, U.S.
“Keep an open and curious mindset.”
– Lishelle Blakemore, Associate Vice Chancellor of Development, University of California, Berkeley, U.S.
“What you put in is what you get out. Engage with faculty, network, ask questions, share contacts!”
– Gustavo Segui, Director of Marketing and Advancement, International School of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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March-April Issue of Currents
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