Professional Development Activities

Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned wildlifer, The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference is a great place to grow your network and learn something new. Throughout the week, we include activities specifically focused on advancing your professional development. Here’s a list of some of the opportunities we have planned in Edmonton. We will update this list as more details become available.

If this is your first TWS conference, also check out our latest TWS Webinar Series post titled, “Safety, Professional Behavior, and Networking: Attending Your First Annual Conference“

Student-Professional Networking Event
We’re excited about this event in Edmonton. Like in past years, attendees can prepare for an evening focused on networking across sectors, but that’s not all. Our team is working on some new enhancements and maybe some friendly competition to liven things up.

Working Group Receptions and Meetings
Working Group Receptions and Meetings are a huge part of the Annual Conference. These are some of the best places to network and engage with professionals in highly specialized areas of focus. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sit in on working group meetings of interest to them. There’s no better place to meet people who share your same interests.

Community Events
The Wildlife Society’s strategic plan focuses a lot on building community. As we navigate the many challenges facing our profession, we must support one another. We have witnessed incredible growth within the organic communities of The Wildlife Society, including Women of Wildlife and Out in the Field. Join us as we celebrate these communities and others during various events throughout the week.

Closing Night
As the sun sets on our time in Edmonton, the bats come out. We’re joining forces with the North American Society for Bat Research to host a joint event celebrating the close of our conference and the start of theirs. We’re still working on the details, but expect to see some new faces around the Convention Centre.

Live and Recorded Sessions – Q&As
Throughout the conference, there will be abundant opportunities to view Symposia, Contributed Oral Presentations, and Posters. Many of these sessions will include time for Q&A. However, much of this year’s content will also be available on-demand through the conference mobile app. If you miss a session or the chance to ask a question, send your question directly through the app. We’re giving attendees more ways than ever to make personal connections with fellow attendees.

“Meet” and “Ask” Sessions
Keep an eye out for sessions starting with “Meet” or “Ask.” These are interactive times to meet with TWS staff and leaders or ask questions to professionals within certain disciplines. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights on things like getting published or contributing your ideas on topics that could help shape the very landscape of the wildlife profession.

Workshops, Field Trips, & Trainings
Workshops, field trips, and trainings can be a great place to network and learn at the same time. Participating in these sessions provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience alongside peers and knowledgeable professionals alike. They often cover a wide range of skills you’ll need as a professional. And students receive discounted rates!

Leadership Institute and Native Student Professional Development Program
It may be too late to join this year’s cohorts, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t engage. Take a moment to talk to this year’s participants. Perhaps you’re considering applying for next year or maybe you want to serve as a mentor/mentee. Start the dialogue and see where it leads.   

Student Chapter Leaders and Advisors Lunch (by invitation)
This luncheon, organized by the Student Development Working Group, is an opportunity for student leaders from around North America and beyond to connect and share ideas with leaders from other chapters. Participation is limited to student chapter officers and advisors.

“Careers with…” Series
Our “Careers with…” series has become one of our most talked-about sessions. During these panel discussions, representatives from diverse agencies and nonprofits will discuss their personal experiences and highlight career pathways within their respective sectors. Attendees will then have abundant opportunities to ask questions of the panelists. 

Career Focus – Student and Early Career Networking Event
We’ve heard from many of our Sponsors and Exhibitors that they’re looking for qualified candidates at this year’s conference. As a result, we’re always looking for dedicated time to set aside for focused networking with students and early career professionals. This year, we’re hoping that will happen right before the Closing Night event. You don’t have to wait for an event, though. The Exhibit Hall is a great place to mingle with different employers. Keep an eye out for “We Are Hiring” ribbons and explore the many opportunities available for wildlife professionals today.

Resume Review
Meet with experienced professionals to gain valuable and constructive feedback on your resume. Know what potential employers are looking for and how you can avoid common mistakes when applying to your dream job.

Certification Application Assistance
The market for wildlife jobs is competitive. Often little divides a successful candidate from the rest of the field. Give your resume a boost with certification through The Wildlife Society. During these sessions, our Certification Review Board and staff will help you navigate the rigorous (but rewarding) requirements of certification.