Normally, I try not to clutter up other people's mailboxes with my
opinions, but I just had to reply to this one.
I think this post was really great at showing both sides of the issue.
For one second I almost felt like maybe one or two of the professionals
on the list might remember what It was like to be a grad student.
And then I read this line :
> background work before you send off your resume.  Then, go to conferences
> and meet people;  your work will pay off with a job that fits you and the
> institution.
I found this incredibly humorous :)  Just wondering how exactly we
are supposed to go to these conventions when we dont have a job to
either earn the money needed to go or pay our way.  I've heard the
argument that conferences are something you cant afford not to go to.
Thing I cant afford not to do are eating, and paying my rent.  Thing I
cant afford no matter how much value they will proivde later in life
are flying or driving half way across the country, staying in a hotel
and paying $90 to attend a conference.  I appreciate the thoughts
that went into your post, but I just dont think its quite as simple
as you make it sound.

Vanda Bushfield
Grad Student
Texas Tech University