career booster: professional conferences
i am 24. very ‘young’ by a lot of my peers.
i can remember when i was 18, i couldn’t wait to be 21 so i could drink (legally). now, i am 24 and my work colleagues still ‘poke and prod’ me in amazement. i used to think it was because of my ‘differences’ (which is still possible), but diving a little deeper in conversation yields that they wonder how i managed to gain so much experience only 3 years out of school.
i’ve crammed a lot of things in these past few years. i’ve interned at a fortune 50 company for 3 years, i’ve started two businesses, i currently work at a fortune 500 IT company, visited over 50 cities, lived in more than 10, taught myself a handful of computer languages, owned 3 cars (i miss my tt), and on my way to starting my own family with my beautiful almost wife. 
so what jump started it?
in all honesty, it was the national society of black engineers (nsbe) national conference, a professional conference, in the summer of 2001. being part of my first national conference with the largest student-run organization opened my eyes to world. their career fair was gigantic beyond words. 
i spent three days, on my feet, for 8 hours speaking, interviewing, and learning from industry leaders. i saw the conviction in their eyes about their work. i heard the hope in their voice when i expressed my career goals. i felt the warmth from other black professionals, young and mature, as they encouraged me to network.
it is in that light that i encourage all to attend a professional conference, especially one sponsored by a prominent minority organization. these physical manifestations of affirmative action will pay dividends beyond anything you’ve experienced in school. that is, if you’re up to the challenge.
be sure to get a good night sleep.
review what a successful interview looks like.
ensure you effectively communicate your goals.
pinpoint what part of the country you want to live in.
go!
a few upcoming conferences to check out:
- the 2007 nsbe national conference : march 28th - april 1st : columbus, ohio
- the 2007 black enterprise entrepreneurs conference and expo : may 9th - 12th : lake buena vista, florida
- business exchange : 2007 tour for success : march 24th : washington, dc
be sure to also try and find a mentor!
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