Presenting Academic Papers

[whit92]

Hello,

 

I wanted to know why individuals present papers at academic conferences? 

[tspier2]

Hello,

 

I wanted to know why individuals present papers at academic conferences? 

 

If you haven't already written the paper, it gives you a convenient way to dispense your (preliminary) results and receive feedback before writing it. If you have written a paper, however, you can refine specific areas after the presentation and submit it for publication. Presenting at conferences is also good for making professional contacts and enhancing your CV.

[AdjunctOverload]

This depends on the field and the individual, but here are some reasons:

 

1. Because we have to -- for school and/or for our jobs (professional development requirements/opportunities).

 

2. If your presentation is selected, you get free entrance into the conference (and entrance/registration fees can run upwards of $200+. This cuts costs when grant funding is limited).

 

3. It looks good on your CV.

 

4. Some jobs require/prefer that you have recent presentations and publications. (Most MFA creative writing tenure-track teaching positions require at least one book be published and two recent presentations/readings given).

 

5. It allows you to network and get noticed by people in your field.

 

6. If you are in/going for creative writing, you will have to give readings for your thesis and if you publish in the literary circles (or teach).

 

Etc.