By Mallory Gohl
Many of us dreamed about becoming billionaires by completing the perfect NCAA tournament bracket. Sadly, though, not one of us was successful in completing Warren Buffet’s Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge. Although this is depressing, I have great news; the NIRSA Annual Conference is less than a month away and you have an opportunity to be NIRSA Champion!
So to help you prepare for the Annual Conference and succeed in the NIRSA Madness, I’m going to give you some tips for making the most of your interactions with scouts at the “Big Dance.”
Tip #1: Come prepared!
Any great basketball player knows that preparing for the big game is what is most important. As a result, you need to prepare yourself for the big conference! Work with your supervisor to update your résumé, refine your interviewing skills, and perfect that awesome handshake.
In addition, plan out your week of events. Review the options for presentations to attend, and contact past and future employers you would like to interact with!
Tip #2: Participate in everything
The NIRSA Annual Conference has a lot of opportunities for experiencing and learning new things. Scouts want students who are active in the conference and make the most of the experience. I realize that this can be an overwhelming adventure, so let me help break down the conference and highlight activities to attend!
NIRSA New Member Welcome and Student Networking Social
These two events take place on the very first day of the conference. Attending these events will help you get to know your teammates (aka: other students) and make the conference much more enjoyable! Come and meet members of NIRSA and enjoy some free ice cream!
Annual Meeting of the Members, Student Member Connection Meeting, and the Regional Member Network Connection and Socials
These events are extremely important if you would like to learn more about NIRSA.
More specifically, the Annual Meeting of the Members will highlight information about the Association and provide awards to various individuals and groups. The Student Member Connection Meeting will highlight the opportunities for you, as a student, to participate in NIRSA. Lastly, the Regional Member Network Connection and Socials will provide you information about your region and opportunities within it.
Remember, scouts are everywhere so you may meet one at these events! Set yourself up to be spotted and move ahead of the competition—attend these events!
Take-a-Student-to-Lunch
This is hands down my favorite event at the conference! If you are a student who loves to eat and meet new people, then this event is for you. Athletes need to fuel up for the conference; why not come to this event and fuel up with a potential scout?
T-shirt Exchange
Who doesn’t like free swag? Come to the T-shirt Exchange to obtain another athlete’s championship shirt! (Be sure to bring your own so you have something to trade.)
Socials
There are numerous socials that will take place throughout the week. It is important that you attend these socials to interact with scouts and have fun!
Some of the socials that you can attend are Lee Wasson People of Color Social, All Conference Social, LGBTQ & Friends Social, and Independent Socials. These socials are always a great time and are open to all conference attendees.
Reminder: although socials are very fun, party in moderation because you never know when a scout may be watching you!
Recreational Sports Exposition
Great players always have vendors trying to advertise their products. Since you are a great player, check out the various products NIRSA Institutions are using on their campuses. You’ll get to try out the hottest new technology, and the excitement of the Expo Hall can’t be beat! Who knows, you may even get some free swag!
Career Opportunities Center (COC)
Are you looking to join a new team? Then this is the place for you! The Career Opportunities Center is a place where you can interact with potential employers, practice your interview skills, or polish your resume. Be sure to stop by and open up your mailbox. You don’t want to miss out on a potential bid, do you?
Fitness Forum
For all you athletes that need to work out during the conference, the fitness forum is the place for you! Come join your teammates from across the country in a workout that you will never forget.
Honor Award Banquet
The Honor Award Banquet takes place on the night of April 26 and is a wonderful conclusion to the conference. Come and enjoy your successful NIRSA conference by celebrating the Association and all of the accomplishments made this year.
Just to give you a sneak peak, here is part of a poem that I wrote, which I am going to be reading. You will have to join me at the banquet to hear the rest of it!
We are an Association built on thick and thin, short and tall,
young and old, we have it all!
Through conferences, tournaments, and socials
And knowing how to socialize with the locals!
Joined together to focus on education, transformation, and inspiration
We are determined to create student success through motivation!
But we are greater than just that.. We are a FAMILY…
Tip #3: Have Fun!
Having so much excitement, along with so many people and events, packed into just a few days can make the conference experience feel overwhelming at times. The most important thing is to have fun and network as much as possible! Professionals and students from across the country are coming together in one location to celebrate the Association of NIRSA and to connect with others. Be the champion of NIRSA Madness and bring home the victory of a successful conference!
Oh, and in case you like watching videos better, here is the Student Leadership Team’s Video highlighting the fun events at the conference:
