GCC First Timers Guide
Is this your first Graduate Career Consortium Annual Conference?
First, we are glad to have you as part of our community of professionals!
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the Conference and Pre-Conference for New Professionals, below.
Conference Logistics | Prepping for the Event | What to bring to the Conference? | What to Expect at the Conference | GCC Lingo | Pre-Conference for New ProfessionalsConference Logistics
Dates/time: June 10-13, 2025
Pre-Conference Workshop: June 10
Annual Conference programming begins on June 11
Hotel: The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis
Register to attend
Conference schedule: See full agenda, powered by Whova
Prepping for the Event: What should I do before the conference?
Registering to attend
Be sure to sign up to register for the conference AND sign up for pre-con using this link!
What should I bring to the conference?
Be sure to pack business cards to aid in networking
What to wear - Business Casual
Your school spirit & swag - Wear your school/institute's colors with pride on Thursday, June 12th!
Notebook and writing utensils
What to Expect
Keynote Speakers:
June 11th Morning Speaker: Michelle Stockness, Executive Director of Freshwater Society
Together We Thrive: The Power of Partnerships and Collaboration to Navigate Change
June 11th Afternoon Speaker: Urmila Venkatesh, MFA, Assistant Director of Alumni Career Education, Stanford University
You Are Here: Meeting the Present Moment, Acknowledging the Past, and Illuminating Possible Futures
June 12th Morning Speaker: Michelle Boyd, Ph.D., Writer and Founder of InkWell Academic Writing Retreats and Creator or Composed
Process Before Product: Fostering Calm, Confidence and Community in Trying Times
GCC Lingo
What is pre-con?
The Preconfernece for New Professionals seeks to connect individuals new to the field of graduate-level career and professional development to each other and the many resources the GCC provides.
What are dine-arounds?
Dine-arounds are a chance to connect with other GCCers in a small group setting over dinner at a local restaurant! This offers the chance for meeting other GCC members and getting to explore a fun restaurant together.
What are communities of practices?
Communities of practice allow GCC members to gather together around a shared topic or affinity group in a smaller setting. Communities of practice range from employer engagement, to international GCCers, mentoring, or serving master’s students, and more! Check out the full list here:
What are member generated sessions?
Member generated sessions are the forum for GCC members to present about their work, new or existing initiatives, strategies for success, etc! This is a great opportunity to hear from colleagues about the things they are doing and gain actionable takeaways of things that good be good for the populations you serve.
What are regional meetings?
GCC is divided into 7 different geographic regions. These regions provide the opportunity for building community across fellow GCCers in closer geographic proximity. Regional meetings will happen at the annual conference and are a great way to meet and network with others in your region.
What is the presentation showcase?
The presentation showcase will take place on Thursday (June 12) afternoon and is a space for learning more about getting involved in GCC as well as hearing from GCC members at their work. At the presentation showcase, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the various committees and ways to get involved in the GCC and interact with GCC presenters.
What is the social event?
This year, our signature, included social event for the Annual Conference will take place the evening of Thursday, June 12th at the Lumber Exchange! This will be a time to explore a bit of fun scenery in Minneapolis, enjoy some food, and relax with other GCC members.
Pre-Conference for New Professionals - Video Testimonials
What I liked about pre-con
Why I would recommend pre-con
How pre-con helped me as a new professional