You’ll Only Wear the Spiked Heels Once


Posted by Julie Larsen on 08 Feb 2012 / 11 Comments


My first student affairs association conference was the 2006 NASPA held in Washington, D.C. I was graduating from my master’s program that spring, and several of us were heading East to participate in The Placement Exchange.

As graduate students, we had taken the time to figure out many cost saving measures. We flew into the cheaper airport, fit nine of us in a shuttle into downtown, and me and my three closest cohort friends shared a $99/night room in the Days Inn. (No, it was not one of the conference hotels.) The room was “non-smoking” yet we all had a slight stale smoke smell to our interview clothes, and I am still not sure if something of a questionable nature was rolled up in the carpet that sat at the end of the hall all week.

I forgot pajamas, packed uncomfortable shoes, and spent more time agonizing over what sessions I should go to instead of actually attending the sessions. I can honestly say, my conference experiences have only gotten better as I have spent more time in the field. As I started planning my conference season, I thought it would be useful to solicit advice from others in the profession to share with those attending their first conference this year. Thank you to all who shared, I think we have a great collection of wisdom to pass along. If you didn’t get a chance to share your tips, please feel free to add them to the list!

My own advice from the D.C. conference years ago? 1) If you are able to, splurge on a conference hotel. Being in a comfortable space really makes the conference more enjoyable, and being in the midst of all the happenings gives you a chance to make some great connections. 2) Pack snacks and bring a reusable water bottle. 3) Take some time to explore the city and sights around the conference location. It’s a good mental break, and a great way to find good restaurants and unique souvenirs. 4) Everyone around you may be a potential colleague or supervisor. Be kind, be courteous, and don’t get too crazy at the regional receptions.

I wish you all a successful and fulfilling conference season!

Written by Julie Larsen


  • Gary Honickel

    As someone who went through this last year, I couldn’t agree more. Some more advice from my experience last year:

    1) Don’t over schedule yourself (1 interview per 2 hours is probably safe).
    2) #1 plus don’t wear yourself thin. 
    3) Research all of your schools and put the effort in
    4) personally, I got my own room to myself. It may be more money but it will be worth it to “come home” and relax.
    5) Ask Questions – both of the interviewers and interviewees
    6) Don’t get mad – remember just as we need to make sure our students have the best fit at their school, you need to be the best fit. You and another person may be going for the same gig and who knows, you might report to them one day or be their coworker. 
    7) Don’t be in a rush – After the conference, some schools may not be bringing candidates on campus until after ACPA, keep that in mind.
    8)  Have fun. Meet people, learn new things and have fun.

    Good luck everyone. Don’t forget to relax, safe travels and May the force be with you!

    • Julie Larsen

      Thanks for adding your advice, Gary!

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  • Krissy Petersen

    Thank you for sharing this! When I was a graduate student attending my first conferences a few years ago, I had no idea what to expect, so I appreciate the “pay it forward” approach you’ve taken. I want to echo the advice to explore the city–some of the best experiences I had with colleagues and new friends happened when we took a break from sessions and explored parts of the new cities we were in.

    The other advice I’d echo/add is to not be afraid to reach out and really talk to new people. Conferences are amazing for connecting to people and everyone is excited to meet new people and make new friends. Some of my strongest connections in the field have come from turning to people I didn’t know and extending a hand and a friendly greeting.

  • Krissy Petersen

    Thank you for sharing this! When I was a graduate student attending my first conferences a few years ago, I had no idea what to expect, so I appreciate the “pay it forward” approach you’ve taken. I want to echo the advice to explore the city–some of the best experiences I had with colleagues and new friends happened when we took a break from sessions and explored parts of the new cities we were in.

    The other advice I’d echo/add is to not be afraid to reach out and really talk to new people. Conferences are amazing for connecting to people and everyone is excited to meet new people and make new friends. Some of my strongest connections in the field have come from turning to people I didn’t know and extending a hand and a friendly greeting.

  • Krissy Petersen

    Thank you for sharing this! When I was a graduate student attending my first conferences a few years ago, I had no idea what to expect, so I appreciate the “pay it forward” approach you’ve taken. I want to echo the advice to explore the city–some of the best experiences I had with colleagues and new friends happened when we took a break from sessions and explored parts of the new cities we were in.

    The other advice I’d echo/add is to not be afraid to reach out and really talk to new people. Conferences are amazing for connecting to people and everyone is excited to meet new people and make new friends. Some of my strongest connections in the field have come from turning to people I didn’t know and extending a hand and a friendly greeting.

  • Krissy Petersen

    Thank you for sharing this! When I was a graduate student attending my first conferences a few years ago, I had no idea what to expect, so I appreciate the “pay it forward” approach you’ve taken. I want to echo the advice to explore the city–some of the best experiences I had with colleagues and new friends happened when we took a break from sessions and explored parts of the new cities we were in.

    The other advice I’d echo/add is to not be afraid to reach out and really talk to new people. Conferences are amazing for connecting to people and everyone is excited to meet new people and make new friends. Some of my strongest connections in the field have come from turning to people I didn’t know and extending a hand and a friendly greeting.

    • Julie Larsen

      Krissy,

      Thank you for your comment, and for sharing your advice! I agree, some of the best memories I have with my cohort are from the afternoon we decided to run around D.C. It was a great way to relieve stress, and have someone available for the required monument photo op. :)

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