3 Great Reasons to Attend Conferences as a New Grad

3 Great Reasons to Attend Conferences as a New Grad3 Great Reasons to Attend Conferences as a New GradAs a new grad, it can be easy to think that the years of lectures and classrooms are behind you- but leid so fast Even though youre out of your structured schooling years, its important to keep learning. Attending relevant conferences, webinars, lectures, and seminars will not only keep you on top of your professional game, but it will also help you broaden your horizons, make new connections, and be seen as an expert in your field.Many workplaces will provide you with a budget to attend these types of events, but even if yours doesnt, make it a priority to attend a handful each year. Here are just a few of the ways that continuing your education through workshops and trainings can be helpful.1. To Keep LearningObviously, the main reason you attend professional learning events is to increase your knowledge about your field. Whether you attend local professional group events, large an nual conferences, or classes on specific subjects, you can learn everything from emerging trends in your industry to specific professional skills that can help you do your job better. Decide what to focus on by considering skills that would be most helpful for your job or department (public speaking, tech skills, social media?) or that you need to get ahead in your career (management training).That said, while youre bound to take a lot from the official program or class, dont forget to learn from those around you, too The speakers always have great insight to share, but some of the best things Ive learned have come from those sitting next to me. Hearing what others have done right, what theyve learned, and what theyre currently working on not only makes for great stories, but also gives me advice I can apply to what Im doing now.2. To Get Ideas FeedbackAnother great thing about professional learning events is that you can share what youre working on and get feedback from others who know the ins and outs of your field. The best moment for me in all the events Ive attended in the past year was during a breakout session during a social media conference, where each participant got the chance to share how we use social media for our company. Not only was I able to get an outside perspective on what I was doing for my nonprofit, I also got other helpful ideas from hearing about what everyone else is doing.You can also use this opportunity to ask questions you wouldnt be comfortable asking some of the higher-ups in your department or gauge how something new youre implementing has worked for other professionals.As an added benefit, sharing a little bit about what your company does and what youre working on is a great marketing tool and can raise awareness about your brand or company as a thought leader in your industry. Now, Im not talking about sharing company secrets- definitely keep in mind whats shareable and whats not. For example, you can (and should) share the common industry tactics youre implementing, but you dont have to divulge the stuff youve cooked up to set you apart from your closest competitors.3. To Network Like CrazyNetworking is a big portion of professional events, and most will have time before, during, or after the event specifically for networking purposes. And as a new grad, the connections you make at conferences and seminars can benefit your career or brand in big ways. Its an easy way tobuild your professional network- in fact, many of the people Ive connected with have become business connections, mentors, and even donors for my organization.So, go to the event with tons of business cards and be ready to meet people. The best piece ofnetworking adviceIve learned so far is to stand up. It can be easy to immediately stake out where you want to sit at a conference or seminar and then stay there, but resist this urge. Youll have loads of time to sit later, but its much easier to approach people and be approached while yo ure on your feet.Attending industry-related conferences and seminars is a great way that you can demonstrate your commitment to your position and industry to your current employers- and get ahead in your career while youre at it. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, and get learning.Photo courtesy of Sebastiaan ter Burg.