Maximizing Your Experience at the Women of Color Leadership Symposium: A Preparation Guide

It’s almost time for the Forté Women of Color Leadership Symposium! We are thrilled to have you join us for this exciting event. As an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women in their professional journeys, we are confident that this symposium will provide you with the tools and resources you need to navigate the professional world with confidence and success.
To help you prepare for this event, our undergraduate programs team has put together a list of key information and resources. By reviewing the event schedule, setting clear goals and intentions, and connecting with your fellow attendees, you will be well-prepared to make the most of this empowering event. We can’t wait to see you there!

TAKE A DEEPER LOOK INTO THE AGENDA 📋

• Check out all the sessions that will be happening during the symposium! Come ready to share your ideas and best practices while you network with other high-achieving undergraduate leaders. 
  • Check in starts at 8:30 AM and you will need to show a photo I.D. (drivers’s license, passport, etc.)
  • Bring a copy of your resume for the Expo & Networking session at 4:30 PM!
• See our school and corporate sponsors

TRAVEL AND PLANNING 🧳

• Plan travel as early as possible and be sure that you have a solid plan for getting to and from the symposium.
• Be sure to travel with identification as you will need it for airfare travel and at the conference
• Have a plan in place in the event your travel is delayed
• Review the travel stipend process
  • Check out how you can get travel funds ✈️

TIME TO GET PACKING 👕

• Business casual attire is usually recommended and you might be asking, well what is business casual attire? Business casual can mean different things to different people, and we certainly want you to feel like your best self as you mix and mingle with your peers, schools, and company representatives.
  • Some common business casual clothing items include:
  • • • • Slacks or skirts that resemble those from a suit
        • Neatly pressed khakis or corduroys
        • Blazer
        • Cardigan or v-neck sweater
        • Loafers, oxfords, low-heeled shoes or boots
• Wear clothing that is comfortable as you will be moving around throughout the day
• Check the weather so that you are prepared and are not caught off guard ☁️
• Pack multiple options, just in case something happens and you need to pivot 🧳
• Nonprofits and other resources if you are in need of attire for the conference
  • Dress for success
  • Career Closets

NETWORKING 

• Think about your why, or your elevator pitch. What makes you unique and how might you use that to create a brief introduction when networking with someone at the conference? 💭
• Check out this video on developing your why/elevator pitch–link
• Taking notes during their presentation can help with asking effective and thoughtful questions
• Some things to consider as you are listening: what takeaways do you have? How did this session increase your awareness or knowledge of the topic area? What are some things you will implement moving forward based on the information given?
• If you have student business cards that you’ve made, bring them! They can be a great way to leave a lasting impression
• What is a student business card? 📇
• Helpful tips for alleviating anxiety around networking
• Take a deep breath and count to 3
• Know that they have been in your shoes before
• Be yourself and know that it’s ok to be nervous!

RESUME

• Make sure your resume is up-to-date before uploading it to our job center. Include all leadership, extracurricular activities, internships, employment, and other pertinent information.
• Meet with a career counselor at your school’s career center for review before submission!
• It is certainly not required but never a bad idea to bring a hard copy- most career centers can help you with this for no charge