What You Can Gain From Attending Academic Conferences During Your International Relations Degree

Attending academic conferences can be very beneficial for international relations students

Conferences allow academics a crucial opportunity to improve their work and learn from colleagues. Taking place all over the world, they allow students, professors, and professionals to meet and discuss new research, theories, and developments in their area.

In addition to developing their expertise, conference attendees gain important networking opportunities which can benefit a variety of career paths. In a competitive job market, these events have become increasingly popular in recent years, with presenters and attendees alike looking to gain an edge in their field. 

Curious about how conferences will help you during your international relations degree and beyond? Read on to find out.

Conferences Present the Latest Developments in Your Field

Conferences allow you to familiarise yourself with the newest names in your field, and hear the latest findings of preeminent academics. Before the latest research becomes available through publication, it is often presented as a conference research paper. This is especially important for international relations students, as the research presented is likely to reflect the latest trends in global affairs and the ever-changing international climate.

Academic conferences help you better gauge trends and expectations in your field

When choosing which conferences to attend, be mindful that each one will present unique advantages. Larger conferences are more likely to attract bigger names, but smaller ones can be better for gaining specialised knowledge in a more collaborative setting. Since online courses like the one offered by Queen Mary allow you to set your own schedule and study anywhere in the world, you can easily plan to attend the conferences you want, whenever and wherever they may be.

Students should also seize any opportunities to present their own findings. Conference presentations are an effective way to clarify ideas, receive feedback on original research and situate one's work within its field. Students may seek graduate spots at well-recognised events, but smaller, student-led conferences can also be great places to look for openings.

Conferences Help Build Career Opportunities During Your MA in International Relations

Conferences also provide important professional benefits. Even if you are not intending to remain in academia, conferences help you build ties with the academic community, which can give you a potential advantage once you begin your career. Since international relations work often draws upon new research and academic outreach, these networking opportunities can help you develop connections which could prove valuable when working in government, consulting, or the non-profit sector.

Conferences are the best way to meet and network with international colleagues

For students pursuing an academic career after their international relations degree, these networking opportunities are even more crucial. Building relationships between academics, conferences help you stay abreast of research opportunities and openings around the world. Additionally, if your submitted paper is chosen for a conference, presenting before your peers can help you develop a reputation in your field and strengthen your work ahead of publication.

Conference Attendance Enhances Short-Term Personal Development 

Attending conferences will also benefit your studies. In addition to long-term career development, a well-chosen conference may help you engage more fully with your degree work and elevate your academic performance. For instance, a student pursuing an MA in International Relations may find that some of the work being presented at a particular event offers new insights into their chosen dissertation topic.

International conferences are also an excellent way to travel and experience new cultures, and organisers may even help facilitate these experiences, suggesting social activities to complement the main academic events.

Looking to pursue a prestigious master's degree in international relations? Contact Queen Mary Online to learn more about our courses.