Overwhelmed at APA

[Ya Ya]

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This is my very first conference and I am overwhelmed by the shear amount of everything (e.g. # of people, sessions, etc.). Fortunately this has been good for my professional development but I can't help but feel that this first year is in over their head! Has anyone had any similar experiences?

 

[mewtoo]

Jeez, I felt a bit overwhelmed at the regional conference I attended (1st time). I can't imagine jumping headfirst into APA! 😱

 

[Ya Ya]

I know! What was I thinking!? *face palm* I guess I really had no clue this would be so big!

 

[JeyRo]

This is my very first conference and I am overwhelmed by the shear amount of everything (e.g. # of people, sessions, etc.). Fortunately this has been good for my professional development but I can't help but feel that this first year is in over their head! Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Yes.

 

[Ya Ya]

Yes.

Could you elaborate?

 

[JeyRo]

Could you elaborate?

Sorry. My first year at APA was in Toronto (2009? 2008?) and I was much more early-career at that point. I felt like I didn't have much to offer (I just had a poster session which, miraculously, led the VA to fund my entire trip which I still can't figure out), barely knew anyone in my division or practice area, and I had never been to a conference like this before. It was very nerve-wracking.

In contrast, this current experience has been much better thus far. I feel like I have more to offer and am more involved (2 symposia, 1 poster, involved with awards committee for a division, volunteering at an exhibitor booth with an organization I'm involved in), and I kind of know the deal now.

 

[Ya Ya]

Wow. It's really comforting to know that you felt more confident as time went on! I hope my next conference will be less nerve wrecking!