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Getting Involved in NCDA: Tips for Graduate Students

by Kevin Glavin


Attend consecutive NCDA conferences, and network, network, network.
First of all, you have to be in it to win it. If you have not already done so, I would strongly encourage you to attend the NCDA annual conference . The 2006 conference will be held in Chicago, Illinois, July 7-9. When you arrive be prepared to network. Networking is probably the single most important activity you should engage in regardless of your profession. Unfortunately, it is also one of the toughest. It takes time, effort, and involves putting yourself ‘out there’. It can be mentally challenging and physically exhausting. However, the rewards are always worth the effort. During the 2002 NCDA conference a lady, unbeknown to me, approached a group of colleagues I was having coffee with. Eloquently, she introduced herself stating she knew no one at the conference, and was trying to make new friends. Instantly, she made five new contacts, and gained my utmost respect. Networking involves not only introducing oneself, but also putting time and energy into developing relationships and keeping in contact over time. Bear in mind, friendships are rarely cultivated in one chance meeting, hence the importance of attending consecutive conferences. Who should you network with? Get to know the:


NCDA also organizes a social event, Cookies and Conversation, for graduate students. This is an excellent opportunity to socialize with other students and meet NCDA representatives. Don’t limit yourself to these ideas; networking can take place at anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Introduce yourself, you never know the hidden gifts of friendship and opportunity that await you.

Collaborate and Present
Giving a presentation at the NCDA conference is one of the best ways to become involved in the organization. Not only will you meet a host of new people, it is professional activity you can add to your resume. Unfortunately, for many students, presenting can be a somewhat daunting task. Public speaking is reportedly one of the nation's top fears. However, fear is not always a bad thing. It shows you care, and it will prompt you to prepare well.

There is a common misperception that presentations are only conducted by faculty/researchers, doctoral students and experienced practitioners. Not true, graduate students at all levels have much to offer. NCDA leaders support and encourage the participation of graduate students, and help is available via the NCDA mentoring program. In addition, you will find the contacts you make through your networking may be able to help and guide you in your professional pursuits such as writing and presenting.

In truth, it can prove very challenging to develop and present a topic on your own for the first time. This is why I encourage students to collaborate with other graduate students, faculty, or practitioners. Experienced presenters can help you develop a proposal that has a good chance of being accepted. There are a number of ways to engage in collaborative projects:

    •Ask your NCDA mentor to help you find someone to collaborate with.
    •Attend the 2006 conference , network, and indicate your desire to present at the 2007 conference .
    •Approach your faculty and tell them you would like to develop your presentation skills, and ask them if they will help you submit a proposal for NCDA.
    •Read NCDA publications, such as Career Convergence , to find authors on topics that could result in a collaborative project.

Attending Conferences on a Budget
Conferences are not cheap. However, there are a number of opportunities students can take advantage of to reduce their costs:

    •Volunteer at the conference. (Contact Bobbi Carter: bcarter@ncda.org)
    •Register early to get the ‘Early Bird’ registration rate, or at least the Pre-Registration rate (deadline May 15, 2006).
    •Consider staying at alternative, nearby, hotels. Use a website such as Priceline to search for cheap hotels (http://www.priceline.com)
    •Use websites such as Expedia and Orbitz to search for cheap flights (http://www.expedia.com, http://www.orbitz.com). Join their email list for airfare specials. Also, generally speaking, the earlier you book, the cheaper your flight will be.
    •Share a room with another conference attendee.

The Action Plan
Now that you have decided to become active in NCDA, you need a plan of action. Use the outline below to get started:

    1.Visit the NCDA web site http://www.ncda.org for news about the organization and the upcoming conference.
    2.Submit an article to the NCDA web magazine, Career Convergence.
    3.Apply for a volunteer position at the conference. Contact Bobbi Carter, bcarter@ncda.org at NCDA headquarters for more information.
    4.Register for the conference early to get the best rates. Use the tips outlined above to keep your costs to a minimum.
    5.Research who you want to meet and what you want to see before you arrive.
    6.Attend the Cookies and Conversation social event.
    7.Find a mentor through the NCDA Mentoring Program . Program description and application are online.
    8.Submit a proposal for the NCDA 2007 conference. Proposals will be available on the NCDA website in July 2006, and must be submitted by October 2006.
    9.Network, network, network. Collect business cards and distribute your own.

Sometimes all you need is a gentle nudge in the right direction, or some words of advice and encouragement. I have come along way in a short period of time, progressing from Master’s student to International presenter. None of this would have been possible without the help and support of the NCDA community. Get the ball rolling by attending your first conference, and then watch it gain speed as you take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. I look forward to seeing you in Chicago.


Kevin Glavin is a doctoral student studying counselor education at Kent State University, OH. Since attending his first NCDA conference in Chicago, 2002, Kevin has presented at every conference since. In addition to presenting, Kevin has attended the NCDA conference as the delegate for Ohio, and has recently been accepted into NCDA’s first ever Leadership Academy . As a member of the Membership Committee, and the Graduate Student Representative for NCDA, Kevin is committed to increasing student participation in NCDA at both the national and state level.
Kevin will be co-chairing a session at this year’s conference entitled: Developing Your Career While Optimizing Your NCDA Experience, (#309: 07/08/2006, 10:30am), where NCDA leaders will lead breakout sessions to provide advice on critiquing journal articles, publishing articles, and submitting successful conference proposals.
Contact: Kevin Glavin, kglavin@kent.edu


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