The countdown to the AISES National Conference is on! This year’s conference, with the theme We Are All Scientists, is in Minneapolis, October 2–4. If you’ve never been to an AISES National Conference, it’s an amazing opportunity for Indigenous students and professionals to learn, grow, and share their knowledge. With so much to do and so many people to see, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your time.
Make Sure You’re Able to Go
According to the American Psychological Association, the benefits of attending a conference as a student are many. Be sure to mark the dates on your calendar and resolve any potential scheduling conflicts. If you will miss class, connect with your professors in advance. They will appreciate knowing you’ll be absent, and most will be supportive of this productive time away.
You’ll also need to register for the conference — registration closes on September 18, so don’t wait. If money is an issue, look into grants, scholarships, or funding through your university. Many schools have a budget for conference registration and/or travel.
Don’t Try to See Everything
There will be dozens of amazing sessions and individuals you’ll want to see throughout the conference. It will be tempting to squeeze in as much as you can, but don’t overdo it. Trying to do too much will lead to less attention and time for the people and presentations that truly interest you. Make a list of your conference priorities, then create a plan. Setting realistic expectations will help you spend meaningful time on what you do participate in.
Be Prepared
Whether you’re giving a presentation or hoping to connect with individuals in your field, some preparation will help you bring your A-game. Presentations can be nerve-wracking. Practice what you’re going to say and anticipate likely questions. You don’t need to memorize your entire presentation, but you should be comfortable with the material.
If you’re hoping to connect with individuals in your field, prepare an elevator pitch — a quick overview of who you are and what you’re interested in learning or connecting about. Being able to share this information quickly and articulately will help you maximize your time and create as many connections as possible.
Network
Networking often starts with an elevator pitch, then goes beyond to interacting with people throughout the conference. Those conversations with people you’re interested in can open opportunities to connect with them after this one event.
According to Harvard Business Review, for more effective networking you’ll want to avoid small talk and focus on creating genuine connections. Think of questions that are relevant to the person or field you’re both interested in. These conversation starters can help create a deeper connection that will last beyond the conference. Make sure you have ways of reaching others via social media and digital spaces, such as email, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, and that they have a way to reach you (you may want to create a digital “business card.”)
Keep the Connection Going
Don’t let the conference end just because you leave Minneapolis. The connections you make during the National Conference can continue all year and beyond. Send periodic follow-up communications — a quick email, phone call, or text — to the people you met. You may also want to reach out to conference organizers to become involved with next year’s event.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned attendee, opportunities abound at the AISES National Conference. We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis!
AISES FACES
The AISES team is made up of passionate people striving to provide Turtle Island with Indigenous STEM knowledge, resources, programming, and events. Every individual contributes their skills and expertise to support the advancement of Indigenous students and professionals in STEM studies and careers. Meet one valuable team player who is focused on supporting student members, like you.
Dr. Sky Wildcat, Senior Program Officer of Institutional Partnerships
What is your role at AISES and how does it impact student members?
My role is to support and develop partnerships with external institutions, such as tribal colleges and universities, Native American serving non-tribal Institutions, and other professional organizations. Whether it's within the fields of Indigenous knowledge, cybersecurity, botany, ecology, or entomology, all the programs I have managed have supported students and professionals in expanding their own network for their success.
What can students expect to gain by attending the AISES National Conference?
What students gain varies from attendee to attendee. Some students may hope to land a job or internship, network, present their research, gain knowledge, or simply be among community, and all those opportunities are possible.
How can students get involved at the National Conference?
One of the biggest things I stress to my program participants who attend National Conference is to rest when you need to because there are endless ways to get involved, and you have to stay energized to do as much as you can! The biggest events are of course the sessions happening all day, the college and career fair, and my personal favorite: Research Day, when high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and professionals can present their research through poster or oral presentations. I am always amazed by the wonderful work our AISES members are doing, and the courage they have to share it publicly. The final day to submit a presentation abstract is August 22. Aside from those events, you can also find time to meet one on one with members of the Council of Elders, check out the Native Artisan Marketplace, and attend the powwow.
What are your top three tips to help students get the most out of the National Conference?
1. Bring comfortable walking shoes!
2. Check out the National Conference app and outline your own agenda. With all that is going on, it's helpful to have an idea of what you want to participate in beforehand.
3. Connect with folks outside your group. It's okay to experience the conference with the community that is familiar to you, but I promise that there are other great friendships waiting as well!
How can students continue building on what they learned at the conference once they leave Minneapolis?
Connect with other chapters near your region or institution. You are stronger together in many ways, and can share hosting activities, promoting activities, brainstorming ideas, and more. More than likely, there are also professional chapters near you that can offer support in mentoring or professional development. Additionally, stay engaged with the opportunities that AISES pushes out on social media, the AISES Nation app, and your email. Often, AISES has great programs for members, but surprisingly few applicants or attendees. Finally, don't be afraid to check in with or ask questions of any of the AISES Programs departments!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Prioritize your wellness, stay open-minded, and don't be afraid to ask for help! Everyone on the AISES staff wants you to have the best experience possible.
