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’ve made sure to include activities specifically focused on advancing your professional development. Here’s a list of some of the opportunities that await you in Baltimore.

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 shaking things up a bit with this year’s Student-Professional Networking Event. Join Ducks Unlimited at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor for a drink or two while learning about career opportunities with one of the world’s largest and most effective private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organizations. Then journey to the waterfront as we convene at the Maryland Science Center for an evening focused on networking across sectors.

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.

TWS Community Night @ Patagonia
A lot of what we planned for attendees this year has an underlying theme of family and community. I think this reflects the ongoing challenges that many have faced in what has been a challenging stretch of years. Through it all, though, 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 a unique event inside the Patagonia Baltimore store.

Movie and Game Night
Network early and often. Before we get conference sessions kicked off on Sunday morning, join us Saturday evening (10/19) for a film screening and relaxed evening of games. Our staff is excited to play Wingspan with members and we’re announcing our arrival in Birdland with a screening of the film Flyways. Building connections early will help you navigate the busy week ahead.

Aquarium Night
Also, it’s never to late to network. I think we covered all of our networking idioms but it’s true. If you missed the chance to speak with someone during the week, find them as you stroll through the National Aquarium. We are so excited to have exclusive access to the aquarium on the evening of Wednesday, October 23rd.

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. We even have a Solutions Cafe session, where you can engage in open dialogue on finding and sharing solutions on hot topics like climate change adaptation. 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. This year’s lunch will be at the Pratt Street Ale House on Monday, October 21st.

Careers with Federal Agencies & Nonprofits
Our “Careers with Federal Agencies” panel has been so successful over the years, we’ve decided to expand it. This year, we’re adding a story-telling component called “Fitting in with the Feds” and introducing “Careers with Nonprofits.” 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 Tradeshow 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 setting aside time in our Tradeshow specifically focused on student and early career professionals. Following the afternoon break on Tuesday, October 22nd, stick around the Exhibit Hall 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.