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I just volunteered for the #ACL2019 mentoring program. Thanks to @radamihalcea, Robert Frederking, and @arnaik19 for organizing this opportunity to welcome newcomers. Remembering my first major #NLProc conference ten years ago, I'm glad to help improve the experience. (1/thread)
In 2009, as a student, I attended my first ACL. I registered late and received no information about mentorship. I was the first person from my lab to go to an #NLProc conference, and I had no one to introduce me to people. Nobody had heard of my advisor, who didn’t work in NLP.
It's difficult being an outsider at a conference. Here are some observations I can pass along to students who feel like they’re starting from the same place I was, i.e., attending your first conference in a community where you have few (if any) contacts. #phdchat
(1) The best conversation starters aren't research-related(!): The venue, the refreshments at the breaks, or the host city are easy ways to start a conversation. Say something positive about one of them and see where it goes. If you want to discuss research, you can do that next.
(2) “I enjoyed your talk” works surprisingly well as a conversation starter: People who have just given talks tend to be insecure about them. Your support can start a discussion, assuming you actually did enjoy the talk.
(3) People standing around looking bored/awkward during coffee breaks will be happy to talk with you: They know they’re supposed to be networking, and you’re relieving them of pressure. Sometimes they’ll visibly relax when you approach them.
(4) You can begin a conversation with any attendee: As an outsider I unknowingly approached academic celebrities, and their reactions were the same as anyone else’s: sometimes they’re interested in talking, and sometimes not. If you’ve got a meaningful topic to discuss, try it.
(5) It’s OK if you don’t know yet what your research is about: Don’t feel obligated to spontaneously make up something. It’s fine to say that you’re figuring out what you want to do. Mention which sessions you’ve been to and which topics interest you the most.
(6) Make friends: Not every conversation has to advance your career, and the pressure to network shouldn’t obscure your well-being. Talk with other students. If you stay in the field, you might see them again periodically for years to come. (/end)
