Academic conferences are always important to present research, receive feedback, network, and gain valuable experience on what a career in academia entails. Recently, two second-year master’s students, Mallory Premock and Husnu Uysal, were able to experience this for the first time.

With funding from the Department of Political Science, and the support of Karin Kitchens, associate professor of political science, and Caitlin Jewitt, associate professor of political science, both Premock and Uysal were able to attend this year’s Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) conference. Read more about their experience below.

Describe your experience in the M.A. program. How has it helped you with your academic and career goals?

Uysal: My experience in the M.A. program has been very valuable both academically and professionally. Academically, the program helped deepen my theoretical understanding of political science and international relations, while also improving my methodological skills. Through coursework and research projects, I became more familiar with both qualitative and quantitative methods, and I learned how to approach complex political questions in a more systematic way.

Premock: Virginia Tech’s M.A. program in political science has afforded me the time and opportunities to explore my research interests in political science, allowing me to discover my passion for political communication and political humor. The program has also provided me the necessary foundation to progress on to a Ph.D. program at the University of Delaware in the fall and begin to make connections with other academics for future career endeavors.

How was your experience at the MPSA conference?

Uysal: My experience at MPSA was very positive and intellectually rewarding. It was my first time presenting my research in such a large academic conference setting, so it was both exciting and a little challenging. 

I also benefited from listening to other scholars’ presentations. Seeing how other researchers frame their questions, structure their arguments, and present their findings helped me think more critically about my own work. The feedback I received was especially useful because it gave me new ideas for improving my thesis and clarifying my argument.

Premock: I adored my time at MPSA in Chicago. The conference gave me the opportunity to network with other academics in my field of study and meet Ph.D. students who I will be joining in classes next year at the University of Delaware. I also was able to present my work for the first time in front of other scholars and received great feedback to consider for future work. The conference was also my first time in Chicago, and I appreciated getting to explore a bit of the city, with a highlight being my trip to the aquarium.

In what ways do you believe attending conferences like MPSA prepares students for a career in/outside of academia?

Uysal: Attending conferences like MPSA prepares students in several important ways. It helps students improve their presentation and communication skills. Presenting research in front of an academic audience requires you to explain your argument clearly, organize your ideas effectively, and respond to questions in a professional way.

Premock: Conferences are a staple within academia both for receiving feedback on work in progress projects but also to connect with other academics. Whether a student wants to pursue a career in or outside of academia, conference attendance provides experience in networking, commenting on other’s work, and presenting your own work in front of an audience while receiving constructive criticism. These are all skills that are useful both within and outside of academia.

Discuss how the Department of Political Science has supported you throughout this process.

Uysal: The Department of Political Science supported me throughout this process in several meaningful ways. First, the department provided financial support through reimbursement, which made it possible for me to attend and present at MPSA. This kind of support is very important for graduate students because conference participation can be financially difficult without institutional assistance.

Premock: I am so appreciative that the department sees this as an opportunity worth investing in to see their students gain presenting experience and valuable connections. Additionally, both Dr. Kitchens and Dr. Jewitt provided help throughout the application and conference process, and their time and feedback was invaluable in preparing me for a great conference and presentation.

Written by Patrick Salmons