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Fredric is a web developer based in Chicago who hopes to one day start a foundation to support young, Black males in programming and computer science.

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career booster: professional conferences

March 15th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

i am 24. very ‘young’ by a lot of my peers.Young Black Professional Guide Fredric

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. Young Black Professional Guide Career Fairi 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:

  1. the 2007 nsbe national conference : march 28th - april 1st : columbus, ohio
  2. the 2007 black enterprise entrepreneurs conference and expo : may 9th - 12th : lake buena vista, florida
  3. business exchange : 2007 tour for success : march 24th : washington, dc

be sure to also try and find a mentor!

There Are 10 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Kimberly Michelle on 15 March 2007:

    And for you future lawyers, don’t miss the NBLSA Convention March 21-25 in Atlanta, GA. http://www.nblsa.org/events/convention/

    Conventions and conferences are also a great way to network and speak to professionals and peers interested in the same type of work as you.

  2. Comment by Sheria on 15 March 2007:

    I also recommend joining professional associations and getting involved. It will put you in direct contact with people who are doing what you want to do. And don’t be stingy with your time - you’ll never know who you will meet when you’re volunteering.

  3. Comment by Kimberly Michelle on 15 March 2007:

    Also very true. Be sure to check out our Organizations page http://www.ybpguide.com/organizations/
    for links to several black professional organizations.

  4. Comment by Martin Lindsey on 15 March 2007:

    As a proud former student member of NSBE - and a former engineer career wise - I’m glad you got some much form our conference. Never made it to a national conference but the regional ones were powerful in their own right. I admire you man. Keep on packing in as much traveling and life education as you can before you hit thirty.

    At that point you’ll really begin to leverage it well because you’ll have nearly a decade of working life, experience and connections under your belt. Then you’ll be a person of influence. You’re headed in the right direction young bro’. Keep doing more!

  5. Pingback by YBP Guide — getting a new job 2.0: simplyhired on 16 March 2007:

    [...] once you’ve found a particular job you’d like, follow-up! if you can’t seem to find anything, there are always possibilities at professional conferences. [...]

  6. Pingback by YBP Guide — weekly roundup: 3/17 on 17 March 2007:

    [...] career booster: professional conferences [...]

  7. Comment by POPS on 20 March 2007:

    I’ve read several of your posts, but now you just went ahead and hooked me with this one. Ill insight AND a NSBE head. No doubt. The conferences have been an invaluable asset in my life!

  8. Comment by Fredric on 21 March 2007:

    martin,

    thanks for the kind words. trying to take it one day at a time and have some fun in-between!

    pops,

    thanks for reading, man. i’m glad you can attest to the power of the professional conferences!

  9. Pingback by YBP Guide — 2007 Entrepreneurs Conference on 16 April 2007:

    [...] already know what professional conferences can do for you, now all you have to do is get a ticket to Disney World and [...]

  10. Pingback by Urban Influence Magazine | Young Black Professional Guide on 12 July 2007:

    [...] Summit for business, political, and money-making connections. We’ve told you before how conferences can be a career booster, so if you’re in the St. Louis area, don’t miss out on this great networking [...]

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