Here’s how to get ready for Milwaukee
You’ve heard this before — you get out of it what you put into it. And it’s especially true of conferences. Just look around and you’ll see a big difference between proactive participants and passive attendees. Showing up ready to hit the ground running will make those three precious conference days a much better use of your time than, well, just showing up. When you map out your conference plans, you maximize chances to network, strategically attend sessions, and get on the radar of the schools and organizations you want to target.
Make It Your AISES National Conference
First, understand that there’s no opportunity like the AISES National Conference. This three-day event is unique in that it’s specifically planned to educate and inspire all members of the AISES family. The themed event has a packed agenda that draws thousands of attendees to showcase award-winning research, advance Indigenous representation in STEM, develop leadership skills, and enjoy cultural activities. Here’s what to know before you go.
Pack a savvy suitcase. Before you take off for Milwaukee, think about what you’ll want when you get there. Show up with your favorite way to take notes and a couple of neat, “business casual” outfits that will look — and make you feel — pulled together. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes!
Download the conference app. You’ll have the information you need to navigate the conference, along with real-time pointers from other attendees.
Elevate your elevator pitch. Come prepared with a summary of who you are and why you’re there that’s concise enough to be delivered during an elevator ride — no, you won’t actually be giving it in an elevator, but it’s great to have to introduce yourself to recruiters or the person sitting next to you at a session. Something like, “Hi, I’m Lisa. I’m a sophomore at Arizona State majoring in chemistry hoping to find an internship.” It’s basic networking — that person may be able to suggest someone for you to talk to, and in turn you might have a tip for them.
Once you settle in your hotel and pick up your conference credentials, you’ll be ready to tackle the options at the Wisconsin Center. You won’t want to miss the important keynote panels at the Opening Ceremonies, Student Awards Lunch, and Closing Banquet — and Powwow! — and your choice of amazing activities, like the Boeing STEM Day, the 3M Lunch, and the popular Hackathon. If you’re a Sequoyah Fellow, be sure to RSVP for the very special Sequoyah Breakfast on Saturday. Deserving of special attention are college and partner tours, the College and Career Fair, and the conference sessions.
Take a Tour
On Thursday you’ll have a chance to tour a local college or visit a bustling STEM workplace. Sign up when you register for the conference. Also on Thursday, America’s Navy is presenting a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification.
College and Career Fair
Whether you’re searching for the right school, an internship that fits your goals, or your next step on the career ladder, this is your first — and probably best — place to look. After all, the exhibitors are there specifically to look for bright, Indigenous scientists and aspiring scientists. They want to meet you, so get ready.
Be strategic. There will be upward of 250 exhibitors, and you’ll want to head into the hall knowing which ones you want to have a serious conversation with and where to find them (check the exhibit hall floor map in your conference program). Walking up to a recruiter, introducing yourself with a confident handshake (practice this part with your friends), and asking well-informed questions makes a great impression. Walking up with a question like, “So what does your company do?” makes a different impression.
Show up with 20–30 neatly printed copies of your academic resume that focuses on relevant courses and activities, as well as special achievements. For more on resume how-to’s, see “A Beginners Guide to Resume Writing” in the July 2019 issue. For individualized feedback on your resume, head to the Resume Room (open Thursday and Friday). Especially if you are looking for an internship, upload your resume at the AISES CareerHub.
Even if you haven’t held down a job, print up business cards with your name; school and graduation year (and major for college students); job title, which can be “student” or reflect your career goal, like “future chemical engineer;” contact information (email, cell phone); and for extra mileage, your LinkedIn or personal website URL.
Organize your resume and cards in a folder where you can easily access them when you want to leave a lasting impression with a recruiter.
Follow up. Be sure to collect business cards of the people you talk to along with informational material as you make your way around to your targeted exhibitors. After these conversations, you may want to pause and jot down what you learned. Those notes will be useful for adding details when you send “thank you” emails to the recruiters to let them know you appreciate their coming to the conference and to reiterate your interest in the opportunity you spoke about.
Practice networking. It’s a basic career builder — keep growing your contacts. Add names from the fair and don’t forget to include students you’ll meet from all over. You never know how connections will benefit you in the future — whether it’s finding a mentor or your dream job. And probably sooner than later you’ll have the satisfaction of reciprocating.
Conference Sessions
Here again, you’ll want to be strategic and not just wander into the nearest session or tag along with your friends. Sit down with the session descriptions in your conference program, and you’ll see that there are tracks for people at different places on their STEM paths, as well as a range of topics: research-based, cultural, and those with advice on everything from picking a college to finding a job. Zero in on the ones that are most meaningful to you, map out how to get there on time, and show up ready to take notes. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or approach the presenter afterward. Questions show presenters that you’re engaged in their topic and serve as a perfect opportunity to network and exchange business cards.
And remember to have fun! It’s important to enjoy the conference experience, and your enthusiasm will be contagious.
Wilena Old Person is the program coordinator for the Health Careers Opportunity Program of the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Montana. She is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation with Blackfeet heritage. She grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in Starr School, Mont., and received her BA in history and Native American studies at the University of Montana–Missoula in 2006. She is a current graduate student earning an MA in anthropology and serves as an officer for the Association of Indigenous Anthropologists.
Old Person’s professional experience focuses on retention of American Indian/Alaska Native students in the health professions. She has worked within the College of Health Profession and Biomedical Sciences’ Diversity Programs since 2010. Additionally, she serves on many different campus committees, including the Diversity Advisory Committee, University Athletics Committee, American Indian Support and Development Council, the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences Diversity Committee, and American Indian Heritage Day Committee. She is the advisor for the Kyiyo Native American Student Association and coordinator for the University of Montana American Indian Alumni Group. She currently serves as an elected member of the Missoula County Public School Board of Trustees. “At the University of Montana, I’m an advocate and voice of encouragement for all students,” she says. “I’m the proud mother of Joel, Alec, Jack, and Jase, and my family loves the Grizzlies of Montana. Go Griz!”
Why is your school exhibiting at the National Conference?
The AISES National Conference is a great platform for reaching American Indian/Alaska Native students in STEM whose educational goals include seeking a higher and/or professional degree. The commitment AISES has to Native student success is evident, and I support the mission and vison of AISES.
How do you get ready for the conference? Do you pack anything special?
I love the excitement that comes with new places (I’ve never been to Milwaukee) and preparing to meet new people. You’ll meet new people, even if you don’t want to. I am an introvert and I need time to decompress, so I do this before, during, and after the National Conference. Taking care of yourself is key. A must-bring for me is business cards. I actively seek students out in the health sciences and I need to have my contact information available for them. As a student, a must-bring is your resume. Prepare it beforehand and have your mentors review it. It’s a great avenue for you to put your foot in the door at a school or business you are interested in.
Do you have any tips for students heading to their first conference?
Be confident in yourself, which can be hard because as Native people we are humble and we have others sing our honor songs for us. But this is the time to shine especially academically. Take that step and be confident in meeting other students and professionals at the conference. Also, be your best self. By that I mean, be respectful to the organizers and all attendees; everyone has different focuses so give them the space to learn. Your actions show the world who you are, and your reputation will be noted. Show everyone how amazing you are and how you can contribute at their school/business.
What opportunities will you be promoting at your booth?
I work with the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) grant that focuses on pre-allied health students at the University of Montana (UM). This grant also works with disadvantaged students in the professional pharmacy program at UM, where we have a summer pharmacy academic boot camp open to all institutions. We also represent the University of Montana Health and Medicine (UMHM), which focuses on health profession opportunities, from two-year academic programs (respiratory therapy, surgical technology, and more), the pre-medical sciences (physicians to dentists to veterinarians), the post-graduate professional programs (physical therapy, athletic training, social work, speech pathology, pharmacy, public health, and more), and our many research programs in the biomedical sciences.
What can students do to make a positive impression when they visit your booth?
Ask questions — make us work for you. We are here at the National Conference for you.
What are some common mistakes you’ve seen students make at conferences?
Students miss the opportunity to meet other students. I have seen student groups go to conferences together and not socialize outside their own group. Open up and sit with other people during sessions, lunch, etc.
What would you tell them not to miss at the conference?
Don’t skip out on sessions, but attend as many sessions as you can. Learn and see what’s available. You have to be present and take in what you can; it will help you academically and professionally.
What was your most memorable moment at any conference?
At the Native American Student Advocacy Institute (NASAI) Annual Conference in 2018, I missed the shuttle to Kapi’olani Community College and had to wait 15 minutes for the next one. Another conference attendee saw me run — yes, I ran — for the shuttle. She smiled and I smiled back. She said, “I missed it too, but I was not going to run.” We both laughed. She said that she just ordered an Uber and invited me to ride with her, so we made our way to the venue. I thanked her and she just made my day because on our ride, she spoke with love and curiosity about why I attend NASAI and my work at the University of Montana. It was a great conversation. Later that day at the plenary session, the main speaker was my Uber friend, Manulai Aluli-Meyer! What I took from this memorable experience was to be humble. She was humble and didn’t tell me she was the main speaker nor did she act too important for me. I’ve carried this with me since then.
Any other tips or advice for students?
Start now. Don’t worry if your resume is not what you think it should be. That’s OK, but start now. Take this opportunity of attending the National Conference and expand your horizon. Don’t be afraid to speak up in sessions or to speak to presenters. Another tip is to speak your truth — it is authentic and powerful. You know your journey and where you want to go and finish.
