Presenting at Conferences as an Undergraduate Student

For many undergraduate students, participating in any sort of research can be daunting. However, one of the most critical aspects of research is dissemination. Presenting at academic conferences is an important way for undergraduates to grow as scholars, professionals, and leaders. Despite this, many students don’t know where to start or assume they’re not “ready” to present. Though your research experience as an undergraduate might be limited or just starting out, it's important to continue your research journey through the expansion of experiences, and conference presentations can achieve that. 

Where to Start 

Many undergraduates begin presenting their research at smaller campus showcases or summer fellowship symposiums, which serve as important stepping stones toward larger, national conferences. Many research mentors, with good intentions, won’t consider having students present at a larger scale before getting experience through these smaller opportunities first. These are lower-pressure environments, where students can develop important skills such as articulating their research clearly, answering questions confidently, and navigating constructive feedback. Personally, I appreciated this experience as a space to experiment with my presenting style and learn from mistakes. Starting with smaller showcases helps you build the confidence and skills you need to take on bigger audiences down the line. It gives you a chance to develop your voice, figure out what works, and get comfortable being in a research space. 

"Starting with smaller showcases helps you build the confidence and skills you need to take on bigger audiences down the line. It gives you a chance to develop your voice, figure out what works, and get comfortable being in a research space."

Why Presenting Matters as an Undergraduate 

Once you feel ready to move on to a bigger stage, focus on why presenting at a conference is important as an undergraduate. On a personal level, presenting helps build essential skills like confidence, professionalism, and critical thinking. On a broader level, conferences offer a space where undergraduates are treated as contributors to ongoing conversations in their field. This opens opportunities to meet other students, faculty, and professionals, and these connections can lead to mentorship, collaborations, or future research opportunities. This all comes together to strengthen your overall merit as a researcher. Whether you're wanting to go to graduate school, or applying to a competitive internship or a job, having conference presentations on your resume shows that you can communicate your ideas, are engaged with your field, and contribute to larger academic conversations. It’s one of the most impactful ways to stand out and show you're serious about your future as a researcher.

How to Find and Fund Conference Opportunities

Though most conference funding opportunities are geared toward graduate students, undergraduates still have access to more support than you might think. Travel grants typically range from $250 to $1,000 and usually only help to cover expenses like plane tickets, lodging, ground transportation (such as Ubers or shuttles), conference registration fees, and sometimes even a food stipend. Depending on the location and duration of the conference, total costs for attending a conference can range from $600 to $1,200 or more. If your grants don’t cover the full amount, you may need to pay some expenses out of pocket, so it’s important to set aside money and be wise with budgeting. Fortunately, many conferences offer travel awards or reduced registration fees for undergraduates that can support this important opportunity for your scientific career.

Talking to your research mentor is the first step. They usually know about department-based support or might have some money from their own grants. Additionally, you should also check for other resources at your institution. Many universities have undergraduate research offices, honors programs, or research initiatives with funds set aside to support student travel. I would always recommend applying early (usually three to six months before the conference), as funding is usually limited. 

Reaching out to people for money can be nerve-wracking, however, it’s important to advocate for yourself and remember that people want to help you succeed. 

"Fortunately, many conferences offer travel awards or reduced registration fees for undergraduates that can support this important opportunity for your scientific career."

Preparing to Present

Once accepted to present, you’ll likely give either a poster or an oral presentation. Depending on your research mentor, you should prioritize scheduling a time to meet and revise. If your mentor is very busy, see if a PhD student or postdoc would be willing to help guide and give you feedback on your presentation materials. Factors you can control on your end would be setting a time to practice, alone and with other people. Presenting to lab mates, friends, and family can help mitigate nerves and prepare you for the real deal. 

In addition to explaining your research clearly and concisely, it's important to prepare for questions. Audiences at conferences range from other undergraduates to veteran researchers, so anticipate a wide range of questions. It’s okay not to know every answer, however, it's imperative to engage and reflect with the audience.

Conference Networking

Conferences are rich opportunities to expand your network. There are multiple ways to network with others while you're there. These include attending lectures, keynotes, and other presentations throughout the week. Conferences will also usually have informal gatherings after business hours, so keep an eye out for or have your mentor inform you of those opportunities. 

It’s important to prepare a simple “elevator pitch” about who you are and what you’re studying. Don’t be afraid to approach speakers or panelists whose work interests you; the whole point of a conference is to share your work and connect with other researchers in order to promote innovation. These interactions might feel awkward at first, but they get easier the more you do them.  

Conclusions

Participating in a conference as an undergraduate is about developing confidence in yourself as a researcher, disseminating your work, and connecting to the community. These experiences can influence your interests, strengthen your resume, and remind you why your work matters. Your perspective, your questions, and your work are valuable. You are the future of research, and every journey starts somewhere. These early experiences lay the foundation for the significant accomplishments ahead. 

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FEATURED AUTHOR

Mika Sevilla Morales (they/them) LinkedIn, Email

Mika is a senior at the University of Cincinnati studying Psychology. Their research focuses on evaluating mental health outcomes and increasing research engagement in vulnerable populations through community-engaged approaches. They are a proud McNair and Darwin T. Turner Scholar. Besides research, Mika likes to bake in their free time, watch video essays about film/media, and play video games. Mika plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology to continue advancing health equity and accessibility for vulnerable populations.