Seattle-ing to New Heights: A “Research” Journey at the SRAI Annual Meeting
From conquering stage fright to forging invaluable connections, come along for a behind-the-scenes look at this unforgettable experience!
Stepping into the world of research administration can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. One important key in this journey that I’ve learned, is to network and share your experience, tips and tricks, and best practices with others in the field. The Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) Annual Meeting in Seattle provided the perfect platform – and it also provided me with the opportunity to present in front of an audience for the first time. That is, unless you count my wonderful portrayal of one of the snowflakes in my elementary school rendition of The Nutcracker, or my performance of Frosty the Snowman with my middle school choir group.
The Gathering
The SRAI Meeting brings together professionals in the field from all over the world. I was pleasantly surprised to have met others in the field from Denmark, West Indies, India, Canada, and many other places. There were so many wonderful presentations, I wish I could have cloned myself so that I could be in multiple places at once! The gathering serves as a hub for sharing knowledge, discussing best practices, and nurturing connections within the research administration community. My anticipation was high as I arrived in Seattle, eager to participate and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field.
Learning and Networking
The meeting felt like a paradise, minus the sunny weather, with multiple workshops, sessions, and keynote speeches spanning various aspects of research administration (Dr. West’s Calling Bullsh*t book made its way into my Amazon cart that very night). I found myself engrossed in sessions discussing topics ranging from best practices to compliance and ethics in research.
But beyond the workshops and lectures, it was the networking opportunities that made the experience truly enriching. I was able to meet colleagues in person for the first time whom I’ve only been able to connect with via Zoom or email, and had a chance to connect with new colleagues, learn from other experienced research administrators, as well as emerging stars (Hello, fellow Future of the Field awardees!). The atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared passion, and maybe even some frustrations and shared challenges.
First Time Presentation Jitters
Not only was this my first time attending the SRAI Annual Meeting, but it was also memorable because I had the opportunity to present in front of an audience for the first time. While my co-presenters and I had prepared diligently for our presentation, the thought of standing in front of an audience was undeniably nerve-wracking.
I found solace in the encouraging and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the expertise of my colleagues and co-presenters. The audience was open in sharing their challenges and triumphs. However, my favorite part was seeing the audience taking the opportunity to network with others in the field . Presenting at SRAI was not just about sharing my experience and providing best practices for rookies in the field; it was about celebrating the power of collaboration. While the prospect of presenting was daunting, the experience was immensely rewarding.
Overall, attending SRAI in Seattle was an unforgettable experience. It provided me with valuable insights, a broader perspective on the field, and the chance to connect with brilliant minds in research administration. Presenting our work in front of a supportive audience was a pivotal moment in my career. It reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, networking, continuous learning, and the shared passion that unites those involved in the world of research administration.
For anyone who is in the realm of research administration, the SRAI Annual Meeting is a must-attend event. It not only provides opportunities for professional development and networking, but also a welcoming platform for sharing your own contributions to the field.
Did you miss the 2023 SRAI Annual Meeting in Seattle? Sign up for Encore | A Series of Annual Meeting Webinars and access the hottest, most relevant, and highly rated sessions from our annual meeting.
Authored by Grace Fransisca, Research Administrator
University of California Los Angeles
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