Presenting scholarly work in a formal setting is the first step towards becoming a professional. It is a major accomplishment presenting original work in a public forum during the undergraduate years. Presenting will allow you to gain a unique experience in articulating your ideas and understanding your project. You will learn not only how to explain your work verbally, but you will also learn how to display your research graphically (if you choose a poster presentation). Moreover, participating in the UAB Expo will afford you valuable skills in public speaking, and allow you to gain useful feedback from the experienced faculty members that come to see your work. In fact, as a presenter, you may find other researchers who work in the same area as you do, and find new possibilities for further research or publishing a paper.
Participating in UAB Expo helps you prepare for graduate school and/or the professional world. Conducting oral presentations are a mainstay of graduate education and professional life. Gaining experience presenting to a diverse audience allows you to gather unique and often valuable perspectives on your work. It is a great way to practice formal presentations you may wish to make at national conferences or research society meetings. Furthermore, these presentations can be listed on your resumes and applications; showing that you have some experience in presenting your research in a professional environment, which will help your graduate school applications and career aspirations. Plus, this event provides a wonderful communal environment that will be conducive to networking, allowing you to discuss your career interests and future academic opportunities with very influential people. Ultimately, presenting at the UAB Expo will afford you a myriad of opportunities to prepare for your future.