Conclave: Like using GPS for your future career

My dad is what media researchers call an “early adopter” of technology. Every time there’s a new product or technological innovation, you can bet that within a very short amount of time he will own it and use it.

So it should not be surprising that even a decade ago my dad was using GPS to help us reach our destinations. And no, he did not have a built in system, nor did he have a portable device like a Garmin (because I don’t even think those were available back then), he used his monstrous laptop with built in GPS to guide us. With an AC adapter for the car, he’d prop up the laptop in the center console and off we would go.

The GPS system back in those days was pretty primitive compared to what we have now, so it was not unusual to have a depersonalized female voice shouting to us, “you are off route, please return to the road” when we were neither off route nor off the road. But dad was on to something, now 10 or so years later, the idea of using a GPS device to guide you to your destination is no longer uncommon.

Using a GPS while driving can be very convenient—it can suggest alternate routes if you get stuck in traffic, it lets you know the distance of the nearest gas station (or Starbucks), and so much more.

Attending Conclave this year is a lot like a GPS for students. In just 2 days, you will have so many opportunities for getting on track with your career, whether that’s a career as a practitioner, a researcher, a professor, and/or a future leader of the profession. Just like using GPS, the Student Conclave will make getting ready for your career more convenient for you with networking, clinical sessions, tips on passing the NBCOT exam, resume reviews, and even time for some rest stops!

Have you registered for Student Conclave yet (Nov. 20-21 in Baltimore)?