Out for Undergrad Conference Experience
My recent experience at the Out for Undergrad Business conference in New York City was extremely impactful. It merged professional development with a powerful sense of queer friendship and community. The conference provided a platform I had never experienced before to connect with industry leaders from prestigious companies, offering invaluable insights into diverse career pathways, like consulting, within the business sector. These interactions made me feel seen as a queer person and more comfortable with my identity in the workplace.
Beyond the formal networking, the conference fostered a unique and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. During each day, the conference scheduled chats and insightful conversations from successful queer professionals for attendees to listen to. Once we listened to different experiences and perspectives from professionals at all different career levels, we went into our breakout sessions. These sessions allowed us to talk in smaller groups and get to know one another on a more personal level. There were students from all over the country, which allowed for diverse experiences to be shared. I was able to connect with everyone in my group in person and on social media. Later in the conference, there was a gala at Deutsche Bank that the attendees were invited to. The gala was the weekend's highlight, showcasing the drag community's vibrant artistry and self-expression. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and inclusivity in both personal and professional spaces. One of my main goals for my participation in the conference was to capture the essence of the conference to make a reel for the Pride at Lindner Instagram account. I aimed to highlight the strength and unity of our community, while showing what the conference was really like. Balancing networking events with content creation was demanding but ended up being extremely rewarding. The resulting reel shows the true spirit of the conference and the creativity of our community.
This experience reinforced the importance of advocacy for queer people and professionals both in and out of professional spaces. I am so grateful for the opportunities presented and the relationships forged at the O4U Business Conference. The insights gained have informed my future career trajectory, and I am committed to leveraging my experience to advocate for greater queer inclusivity and representation within the business community. I’m looking forward to applying my new connections and sense of community to contribute to my professional growth and help foster a more inclusive business-focused world.
