After my first ever academic conference

Graduate School
1

<p>A third-year grad student in a social sciences discipline, I considered myself the star of my department. I just came back after presenting my work at a junior faculty and graduate student conference, thoroughly humbled. All of the presenters, though a small group, were experienced, extremely bright, ambitious, and much more knowledgeable than me. I took a huge blow to my ego.</p>

<p>It was not simply behind the lectern that I faltered. I realized that I also do not have the right sense of etiquette to engage in professional relationships. I struggled to find the appropriate topics even in casual conversations and I was completely clueless as to what kind of image I should project to others.</p>

<p>Has anybody gone through a similar experience? Understandably this is my first time and I have a long way to go, but at least for the moment I am a bit dazed by the "reality."</p>

2

<p>Don’t worry, your first professional conference tends to be a kick in the nuts.</p>

3

<p>I had the same experience last year. I was straight out of undergrad presenting a paper from my senior thesis which happens to be accepted at the top conference in my field. Needless to say I was probably one of the most clueless person there :p. But it was fun talking and mingling with other people who are expert at what they do. I liked it a lot.</p>