Your time spent at a conference will also expand your understanding of research that is really out there. There will be papers read on topics that you wouldn’t have even considered. Peters argues that “It’s hard not to learn something at a place where thousands of people who share your interests talk nonstop for days” (158). The presentation on flowers in Anna Karenina could be the exact piece that you need to lead you in the direction you’ve been thinking for one of your thesis chapters.
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ConferencesBeing a part of the professional association will lead you to conferences, which is a great opportunity for networking. Brock Dethier describes conferences as a place that “give[s] the people you know a chance to introduce you to the people you need to know” (158). These people that you meet may be pleased to mentor you. Through technology today, you can stay in pretty steady communication with these people that you meet at conferences. Presenting at these conferences is also incredibly important if you can. Peters argues that if you’re strategic about the conferences you choose to present to, you could find yourself with new chances to speak (147). He notes that grad students should find out which conferences give special awards for outstanding graduate papers. Good presentations will get you noticed and may generate new invitations to speak or even job offers” (147). These conferences are one of the easiest ways to get your name out there. They may also seem intimidating to those who have never presented at conferences before, but Peters argues, “Most graduate students and indeed most professors are lousy public speakers and their presentations are boring. Make yours stand out” (147). If you can muster the courage to speak in front of a group of people for just a few minutes, this could be your “right place, right time” story in the making.
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Derra Clark is graduate assistant teaching ENG 101: Freshman Composition and studying English Language and Literature. Her focus is in American literature. She is specifically interested in nineteenth century women’s conduct and etiquette literature.
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