The Importance of Showing Up

Let me start with a disclaimer. This reflection comes from my own experience as a PhD student in Information Systems in North America. Your journey might look different, and that is completely fine. Ideally, this would have been a conversation with my PhD student, but I do not have one yet.

I have my current job because I showed up to a dinner. Of course, the full story is more nuanced, but I often wonder what would have happened if I had not gone to CIST 2022 or to that dinner where my advisor was present. During that dinner, someone reminded me that my McGill application had not been submitted. I thought it was. When I returned to my room, I checked and realized that the process was incomplete. That dinner quite literally saved my application.

Yes, luck was part of it. But I have come to believe that showing up matters. Whether it is a conference, a social gathering, a talk, or a university event, being there makes a difference. This applies to both in-person and online settings. Even when you are busy, uninterested in the topic, or unsure what to say, being present is worthwhile. Here are a few reasons why, based on my own experience.

1. Learning

Every presentation teaches you something. You might learn about a new research method, a different domain, or how to communicate ideas more effectively. Often, the most valuable lessons come from the question-and-answer sessions.

When travel was not possible, online seminars became a great resource. They allowed me to continue learning and connecting with others without the financial strain of attending conferences. For many PhD students, especially those in Canada, the cost of travel, accommodation, and registration can be high. If attending conferences is not an option, you can still show up for talks within your department or research area.

2. Feedback

Talking about your research takes practice. Early in my PhD, I found it difficult to explain my work clearly in a short conversation. The more I discussed my research with different people, the more confident and concise I became. Each interaction brought new questions that helped me refine my ideas and improve how I presented them.

I still remember my first in-person conference, where the audience’s questions (shoutout to Prof. Ananya Sen) and feedback helped me see my work from new perspectives. Many similar experiences over the years have shaped how I think about and communicate my research.

3. Friendships

Showing up also helps you build friendships with other PhD students. You learn from one another’s experiences, share both achievements and struggles, and sometimes even find future collaborators. More importantly, these friendships offer understanding and support during moments when only other PhD students can truly relate.

4. Building a Brand

Some people believe that PhD students and early-career academics should not worry about personal branding and should let their work speak for itself. While that idea sounds ideal, the reality is that very few people know your work early on. Some benefit from their advisor’s reputation, but not everyone does. Attending events, engaging with others, and talking about your work help you build a genuine and visible academic identity.

5. Maturity

Not every discussion at academic events is about research. You also learn about the broader world of academia, including how universities operate, the challenges they face, and how cultures differ across institutions and countries. Reading about these topics helps, but engaging with people from different places provides deeper insights.

None of this means that you should ignore your core research or overlook financial realities, or that you should set aside family and personal priorities that rightfully demand your attention. Life often brings constraints that make it difficult to attend every event or opportunity. But when the circumstances allow, when you have the time, resources, and space, it is worth showing up.

Sometimes, simply being there can make a real difference.