Jana Asher is an associate professor of data science at Goucher College.
Are you an undergraduate student in data science or statistics attending the Joint Statistical Meetings for the first time? Congratulations! You are taking an important first step toward establishing yourself in your career and professional community. As important as your courses have been, you will pick up knowledge by attending JSM that is impossible to learn in a classroom. However, your first time attending the meetings can be intimidating, especially as an undergraduate student. So, how do you make the most of your first JSM?
My most important piece of advice is to avoid trying to do everything. JSM activities run from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. or later, so you must choose your activities wisely to avoid exhaustion. With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the conference. Please note I am only pointing out activities included in the cost of the conference, as the professional development courses, roundtable breakfasts and lunches, and professional skills development sessions can be costly. View the conference program for information about those.
Carefully Pick the Talks You Attend
JSM has a multitude of technical sessions that run between 8 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. There are several types of sessions. Invited sessions with 2–4 speakers and topic-contributed sessions with five speakers will be well organized around a theme. Regular contributed sessions, speed sessions, and poster sessions will contain more presenters and might not be as cohesive as the invited and topic-contributed sessions. However, you should go to sessions that interest you no matter what type they are, and make sure to attend the sessions in which your friends and professors are presenting.
In terms of how many sessions you should attend, I recommend you don’t overdo it. I personally try to attend 1–2 technical sessions a day. Also, try to pick sessions at a technical level you understand. There will be sessions related to statistics education, statistics policy, diversity and equity, and other topics not filled with technical jargon or complex mathematics.
I recommend you plan out which sessions you will attend before the conference begins.
Attend Events for Students and New Professionals
These include the following:
- First-Time Attendee Orientation and Reception: This event takes place on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. and is a great place to start.
- Opening Mixer and Invited Poster Session: This is held Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the EXPO. It’s the JSM kick-off event, and the large crew of undergraduates I’ve brought with me have all told me it was fun.
- Introductory Overview Lectures: Each day of the conference will include a lecture designed to introduce a topic related to statistics or data science. Topics for this year include the statistical challenges of modern biological data, quantum computing for statisticians, statistics and large language models, program evaluation, and The US federal statistical system.
- JSM Student Mixer: Scheduled for Monday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., this mixer is specifically designed for students to meet other students and have a bit of fun (and it includes food).
- JSM Dance Party: Immediately following the ASA President’s Address on Tuesday evening, the dance party is a uniquely fun celebration. It includes a DJ, snacks, and cash bar.
Attend Receptions
The ASA has more than 30 sections and interest groups that include members who focus on a specific type of statistical practice or issue (e.g., biometrics, social statistics, Bayesian statistics, astrostatistics, and privacy and confidentiality). These groups usually hold executive business meetings and business meetings/receptions. Executive committee meetings are often closed and only attended by officers, whereas business meetings/receptions are less formal and open to all JSM attendees. I strongly encourage you to check out the receptions held by sections and interest groups you would consider joining. Many have door prizes, almost all have food, and they are a great place to meet professionals interested in the topics that interest you.
Similar receptions are held by outreach groups such as Statistics Without Borders and the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Outreach Group. Finally, many professional statistical societies from around the world cosponsor JSM, and many will have social events during the conference. Look for these activities while perusing the conference program.
Visit the EXPO and Committee Tables
In the exhibit hall, you will learn about upcoming publications, software releases, and potential employers. There are also coffee breaks and other special events scheduled throughout the day at exhibitor booths and the JSM Spotlight, located in the middle of the EXPO. Many booths have tchotchkes (i.e., promotional items) to give away—sometimes a different one each day, so it pays to go back a few times during the conference. Typical items include pencils, pens, notebooks, USB power cords, bags, stickers, stress balls, toys, and candy. Why pay for pencils when you can stock up at JSM?
Similarly, there is a series of tables in or near the EXPO with information about various organizations associated with JSM. Learn more about the work of these organizations and meet other members.
Final Advice
My last piece of advice is to introduce yourself to people, ask them about their work, and tell them about your plans and goals. My undergraduate students told me almost everyone they met was impressed they took the time to attend the conference and wanted to help them learn about the field and achieve their career goals. Part of being a professional is networking with other members of your field, and it is never too early to start meeting the people who will become your mentors, employers, and friends.
See you at JSM!
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