Nervous? Don’t be.
Here’s (almost) everything you need to know to prepare for Midyear 2024.
What to bring:
Clothing
A few shoe options – you’re going to be on your feet all day, so make sure you’re not distracted by blisters while networking. Bring the cute shoes you *really* want to wear but bring a solid backup choice just in case.
Layers! Temperatures can vary at conference halls, even from the PPS hall to the main sessions, so dress with this in mind.
Bag – bring something you don’t mind carrying around all day as your schedule may make it impractical to get back and forth from your hotel. Most people opt for a backpack or shoulder bag.
Raincoat/umbrella – it’s gearing up to be a rainy week in NOLA! Pack accordingly so you can enjoy the free time you have outside of the conference hall.
Conference Must-Haves
Portable charger
Notes – it’s handy to have a quick refresher on the company/interviewers to review between interviews, coffees, lunches, etc. Whether it’s hard or digital copy is up to your preference
Laptop/phone charger
Notebook and pen
Business cards – completely optional, and less commonly used at Midyear post-COVID, but nice to bring if you have them already
Hard copies of CV – be sure to bring a few just in case. Better to have it and not use it than to be asked for it and have to pull it up on your laptop ☠️
Thank-you cards (optional, but recommended! write a personalized note for any in-person interviews as a nice touch)
Extras & Refreshments
Band-Aids (re: shoes)
Ibuprofen/aspirin – busy days + stress + too much caffeine … trust us
Gum or mints
Hand sanitizer
Snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, etc.)
Chapstick
Reusable water bottle
Mini deodorant or perfume/cologne
Tide stain remover stick (seriously a life saver!)
Lint rollers (especially if you have pets at home)
What to wear:
Most people opt for business casual attire (think slacks, collared shirt, sweater, longer skirt or dress, blouse, cardigan, dress shoes or nice, clean sneakers). You can choose to wear a suit jacket, but a tie is not necessary (and might not be comfortable for a full day). More importantly than how perfectly pressed your clothes look is how comfortable and confident you are in them, so be sure your outfit is comfortable for a full day of networking (no wardrobe malfunctions or need to re-adjust every 10 mins) and feels authentically you. Since you’ll likely be inside most of the day you don’t need to account for the weather too much but do dress in layers in case the conference hall temperature fluctuates.
Still freaking out? Our last words of wisdom:
It will work out the way it’s supposed to – everyone says this, but it really is true. Trust your preparation, trust your gut, and do your best.
Find your own path – not what your friends are doing, not what your mentor did 10 years ago. Like Natasha Bedingfield once said, no one else can feel it for you, only you can let it in… today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.
Be nice to everyone you meet – you might find yourself in uncomfortable situations, at lunch or a reception right next to your competition for the fellowship you want. Be kind and keep an open mind, this might end up becoming one of your close friends, co-fellows, even coworkers down the line. You’re probably a lot more alike than you think, and a friendly face helps make those awkward/tense situations feel a lot better.
Don’t let stress get the best of you – take breaks, breathe, lean on your friends, call family, etc. The more you overwork and stress yourself out, the less you are going to show up as your best self. Do what you need to do to find balance and remember that there is more than one path to industry.
Getting a fellowship is not going to make or break your career – don’t place all your emphasis on simply getting any fellowship, focus on finding the right opportunity (fellowship or not) that will best set you up for success. More to come from us on opportunities outside of fellowship soon.
In the words of RuPaul: Good luck… and
