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5 Great Reasons to attend the 2006 Joint Meetings
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Career
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By Vanes63
Posted Wed Nov 02, 2005 at 04:35:29 PM PDT
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As all of the hussle and bussle for the fall semester is coming to a close (we are in November already?) mathematicians around the globe can begin to really look forward to this year's Joint Meetings to be held in San Antonio, TX.
On top of other sessions I am sure you are excited to attend, don't forget to go to the Young Mathematicians' Network sessions that are tailored specifically for mathematicians just like you (yes, you).
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Because of the title of this article, I am sure you are wondering what 5 great reasons I would give you to attend, so here they are:
(1) Professional Development. Whether you are a high school student thinking about majoring in mathematics when you get to college, or you are a tenured professor at a prestigious university, the Joint Meetings has something for everyone. You can make contacts, or find out how, at various sessions and learn more about your specific research interest in the process. Check out the YMN session list near the bottom of this article for more information on the Young Mathematicians' Network sessions geared towards professional development.
(2) The Exhibits. Where else can you find that many math books all under one roof? If you are looking for some problems to work on or are trying to solve your own mathematical problems, there are a myriad of publishers at the Joint Meetings in the exhibit area. Not to mention the other colorful booths that display mathematical software, art, and t-shirts. If you do not have a math t-shirt, you should certainly take some cash with you to buy one, it will give you something to remember the meetings by AND supply laughs all year long.
(3) The Lectures. Most mathematicians sit through lectures year-round, but what makes these lectures so different is the variety, depth, and breath. While some may not catch your ear or your eye, a quick browse through the full program and you will see that, chances are, your research area is covered in some special session.
(4) The YMN sessions. Don't forget to go to the Town Hall Meeting on Friday, January 13th from 7:30-8:30pm where you can meet other young, and not so young, mathematicians and discuss your concerns. All are welcome to come and mingle. Coming to this session not only enhances some of the best reasons to come to the meetings, but it also allows the meetings to continuously work for you in your involvement through YMN. Also, if you happened to miss a YMN panel, you can probably find someone who did attend that panel at the Town Meeting to talk to.
(5) It's the Joint Meetings. How many times a year does this opportunity come to you? The Joint Meetings only happen once a year and it is only once a year that you can find that much mathematical enthusiasm in one place, under one roof. On a personal note, last year was the first time I attended the Joint Meetings in Atlanta, GA, I had a wonderful time being around so many mathematicians and getting to learn more about my mathematical interest. There truly is something for everyone there and there are many sessions made specifically for first-timers (and there is sometimes free food there...). You might even find yourself talking to the very person you have wanted to speak to about getting the inside track on whatever it is you are pursuing, the department chair to a department you are interested in applying to for a position or going to for graduate school; or you could find someone to collaborate with in terms of your research.
A million things could happen at the Joint Meetings, it is no one's guess what may happen to you. But, one thing is for sure, the probability of any event increases when you give it a chance. Just to give you a little preview on some of the sessions available:
How to Interview for your first job (Thursday, January 12th from 2:15-3:35pm)
You Have a Job, Now What? Professional Development Opportunities (Thursday, January 12th from 3:50-5:10pm)
Undergraduate Career Paths in Mathematics (Friday, January 13th from 9:00-10:20am)
MAA Project NExT-YMN Poster Session (Friday, January 13th from 2:00-4:00)
Young Mathematicians' Network Town Hall Meeting (Friday, January 13th from 7:30-8:30pm)
Transitioning into Graduate School (Saturday, January 14th from 9:00-10:20am)
More information available online through the Joint Meetings mainpage or the full program.
Also, don't forget that the advanced registration deadline is December 16th. |
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