Berkeley IEOR Students Share Tips from WE24 Conference Experience

1.  Prepare your resume: 

Before attending, update your resume and seek feedback from peers or advisors to ensure it’s polished and impactful. Print and bring 10–20 copies to share with potential contacts or employers.

2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile: 

Ensure your LinkedIn is up-to-date and polished, as many people will use LinkedIn to exchange contact information. A well-organized, thoughtful profile creates a strong first impression and serves as a virtual extension of your resume.

3. Prioritize being well-rested and having good spirits: 

Approach conversations with an eagerness to learn, openness to listening, and a smile. Building relationships with a positive and curious attitude can set the foundation for obtaining jobs, internships, and awards.

1. Ask around and read about what to expect: 

Ask peers or look online for information about the conference to understand what to bring and how to prepare. This can help you anticipate the dress code, logistics, and general atmosphere, aiding with packing and ensuring you’re equipped for any networking or formal events.

2. Pack light and strategically: 

Leave extra space in your luggage for any swag you might collect at the conference. Bring a professional outfit for each day, as well as casual options for exploring after hours. Pack comfortable walking shoes, as well as a nicer pair if you expect interviews or more formal events. Including a jacket and versatile clothing will also allow you to reuse items without overpacking.

3. Keep essentials in your conference bag: 

Pack your bag the night before to be fully prepared for sessions and networking events.

What’s in Lauren’s conference bag: 

• Paper resumes
• Some snacks
• A portable charger
• Water Bottle
• Wallet
• Note-taking materials (Notebook and Pen, Tablet)
• Extra shoes
• Extra reusable bag 

4. Engage post-conference: 

After the event, check your emails for surveys, post-conference links, and additional resources from the organizers. Completing surveys and accessing follow-up materials supports the organizers and provides you with valuable information to reflect on your experience.

1. Engage fully in sessions and events: 

Maximize your time by attending information sessions, career fairs, and speaker events. The career fair is particularly valuable, offering insights into various companies and engineering roles across industries. Explore how a background in industrial engineering and operations research can be applied to different industries.

2. Go in with a plan: 

Planning your schedule in advance allows you to fully immerse in each part of the conference. By balancing time between info sessions, the career fair, and any scheduled interviews, you can ensure a focused and productive experience.

3. Explore Beyond Sessions: 

Planning and exploration outside of scheduled sessions enriches the conference experience, helping you forge meaningful connections and create lasting memories at each new location.

1. Plan finances in advance: 

If you’re committed to attending, it’s wise to plan early for costs related to flights, meals, and lodging. Estimating expenses ahead of time provides peace of mind and allows you to budget effectively.

2. Utilize graduate school booths: 

As a graduating senior, make the most of graduate school booths at the career fair. Many conferences feature programs such as MBAs and Master’s in Engineering that could be valuable next steps in your academic or professional journey.

3. Arrive early for key sessions: 

If there’s a session you’re particularly interested in, arrive at the room a few minutes early to ensure a spot.

4. Build a support system and set boundaries: 

Prioritize your well-being by taking breaks between sessions if needed. It’s completely fine to step away from the career fair or info sessions if you feel overwhelmed; maintaining a balanced pace will help you get the most out of the experience.