Goodbye pajama pants and hello old black slacks (that I’m hoping still fit), because in-person events are back! The CSE has some exciting events planned for the upcoming year – but with the return to in-person events comes policies that, while we can only reinforce at our own events, you should take to heart and do your best to always implement. 

By following these six guidelines, you can be a conscientious and standout participant at every event you attend. You never know when an event can lead to the opportunity of your dreams, or *gasp of dread*, when not being a conscientious attendee leaves a negative impact on the opinion of someone who could otherwise have helped you achieve your dreams.

#1 Do not “no-show” for an event

Official Policy (for CSE Events): If you are unable to attend a CSE event for which you have registered, please email globalcareers@brandeis.edu as soon as possible. As a reminder, the Career Strategies and Engagement Center (CSE) has a strict no show policy and failure to attend this event without proper notice could result in a hold on your ability to participate in future CSE events/treks/programs.

What this means: To “no-show” for an event means that you fail to show up for an event that you registered for, without letting the event host know in advance that you won’t be attending (professional courtesy rules dictate that at least 24 hours advance notice should be given, however the earliest is the best)

Why this is important ESPECIALLY for in-person events: I mean logistically this makes sense – if you think about inaccurate room space, excess food and beverage ordered etc., but “No-Showing” for an event could also cause any (or all) of the following to happen:

• The event host (and sometimes employer/alumni/guest speaker as well if they were sent the attendee list in advance) begins to view you as unreliable because you didn’t fulfill your attendance commitment
• Another student on the waiting list or application cue misses out on the opportunity because the event host assumed you would be in attendance
• The event host tells the employer/alumni/guest speaker featured at the event how many students will be attending their event, and then the employer/alumni/guest speaker is inevitably disappointed when their expectations aren’t met

#2 Be on-time!

Official Policy (For CSE Events): Students who arrive more than 5 minutes late to an event will lose their registration and will only be allowed to join the event if there is still space available. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late will not be allowed into the room and will be marked as a no show. (Given the limited space for many events, we recommend that you arrive early).

Why this is important ESPECIALLY for in-person events: First, I truthfully don’t think I’ve ever seen someone successfully sneak into an event after it’s started without causing SOME sort of disruption. The speaker will notice – and they will remember. Second, for the really popular events that have waitlists, we usually let students in who weren’t able to register in right before the event begins. So if your space is gone because you were late… well…

#3 Stay for the entire event! 

Official Policy (For CSE Events): Stay for the entire event! If you know in advance that you have a conflict that will require you to leave early, please notify us as soon as possible.

Why this is important ESPECIALLY for in-person events: See above regarding inevitable event disruption – also the speaker will assume that you’re leaving because you’re bored.

#4 Dress Appropriately

Official Policy (For CSE Events): The recommended attire for all CSE Events (unless otherwise specified) is business casual. Remember that you are representing not only yourself, but also Brandeis International Business School and should keep that in mind as you prepare for the event. Link to Business Attire Guide Here

Why this is important ESPECIALLY for in-person events: There are so many reasons why this is important that the CSE has a whole week of events dedicated to professional presentation every spring – but Indeed.com sums it up very nicely: “Your appearance is often the first thing others notice about you. Dressing professionally can help form a positive impression on people you meet… The initial judgments people make about you can influence their long-term opinions.”

You are a business school student – be proud of that fact, you worked hard to get here – so dress like one!

#5 Bring a pen and paper – leave the phones, tablets and laptops in your bag

Official Policy (For CSE Events): Any event with an employer or alumni present is considered a no laptop. tablet or phone event! If you wish to take notes, we recommend that you bring paper and a pen.

Why this is important ESPECIALLY for in-person events: Now I fully believe that you are taking notes on your phone and not online shopping – but as far as the guest speaker knows, you could be playing Wordle. Electronic devices were a beautiful bridge the last two years, but have an isolating effect during in-person events. 

• Taking notes on your phone, laptop or tablet – sends a message to the speaker and other attendees that you’re not really paying attention and are at the very least multi-tasking
• Taking notes with a pen and paper – shows that you are attentive, prepared, and engaged

#6 Come prepared with questions

Official Policy (For CSE Events): For every CSE event you attend, you should have a list of prepared questions for the speaker(s). See the CSE’s list of recommended questions here. 

Why this is important ESPECIALLY for in-person events: Low attendee participation is particularly obvious during in-person events, and a guest speaker who only hears crickets during the Q&A portion is going to assume everyone there weren’t paying attention, don’t care about the topic, and that they should never present at Brandeis International Business School ever again. 

But I also know what it’s like to go completely blank during the Q&A of an incredibly engaging event – so I always prepare questions in advance that are my “go-to” for this kind of situation. And the guest speaker will definitely appreciate it and remember you for it!

I hope you keep these CSE Event Guidelines in mind as you jump back into in-person life, and check your CSE Newsletter every week for announcements regarding upcoming events!

Already planning to attend some in-person conferences and/or career fairs? Check out my previous post, In-person conferences, conventions and career fairs: hidden gems from successful attendees