By James Steur, Ph.D., Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“You do realize that nobody will listen to you if you aren’t from an Ivy League school and you certainly won’t get a job. Placement record matters.”
I first heard this type of statement at a conference, and it was not constructive. While the more senior scholar meant well, it still was a jarring experience. I was not emotionally prepared to hear some version that was belittling me and my education in comparison to others.
I’ve written a lot in the past for new time attendees about networking, strategic tips at conferences, maximizing feedback at presentations, and a host of other topics. Most of the advice I’ve written still rings true to this day. (I’m open to suggestions if anybody has future article ideas!)
Rather than focus on strategic takeaways, I wanted to write something about the softer, more difficult parts of conferences. I wanted to write about difficult emotional experiences that may occur to remind us that we’re not alone, and to be the best version of yourself. I hope that some of this can ring true for folks as they navigate conferences. To be clear, these are not experiences that have exclusively happened at MPSA: I am talking about what I’ve seen across a wide range of conferences.
1). The Overly Harsh Critic
You present and someone offers criticism after criticism after criticism. The design is awful; the coding needs to be fixed; the visualizations are unclear. I once heard that someone got such harsh feedback during a panel that they ended up in tears. Offering critical feedback is a part of our job, and we should welcome feedback and criticism. That said, some people can push it too far.
First, remind yourself if you’re in a discussant position to not model this behavior. Offer constructive feedback or know at what point you’ll stop. Second, give yourself time to process the feedback and discern the overly harsh criticism from the helpful. Talk it over with trusted colleagues to help you in this process. Third, you can intervene if things get heated and you observe something like this. A small comment to break up a long stream of criticism can go a long way.
2). A Sense of Superiority in Comparison to Others
I’ve heard many folks after a presentation congregate after a panel and say things like, “That was bad. Awful. The worst presentation.” There are some presentations that are not the best, but these statements are usually done in a comparative way. “That was so bad; I would never do that.”
Research deserves thoughtful criticism, but it’s important to resist the pull toward moral superiority when encountering presentations that require more work. Focusing on what can be clarified, strengthened, or developed is far more productive than judging the presenter. Approach each presentation with the assumption that there is something worth engaging with seriously, even if it is not yet fully realized.
3). Do I Belong Here?
You see a presentation that knocks your socks off. The presentation is amazing and thoughtfully constructed. You may begin to have imposter syndrome or doubt if you belong here.
This is the inverse of superiority: a sense that you are not good enough or do not belong. In those moments, redirect your attention to the work itself—what you can learn or question—rather than your perceived standing. Treat the presentation as something to study rather than a standard you must immediately meet.
MPSA Ombuds Office Hours at the MPSA Conference
The MPSA holds Ombuds office hours during the MPSA Conference. If you would like to learn more about how you can provide honest, constructive, and respectful feedback or if you are navigating a difficult or challenging situation, the MPSA Conference Ombuds serve as impartial, confidential, and independent resources. The Ombuds can offer informal support to all conference participants in addressing a wide range of challenges and concerns that may arise during the conference. Learn more in this informational flyer about how the Ombuds can support you and serve as a resource, or watch this YouTube video for additional information.
Conclusion
While I could not cover every possible experience, I hope some of these moments offer a sense of shared perspective and a reminder to strive to be the best version of ourselves.
You will encounter statements that catch you off guard and may sting. (To be clear, I am not condoning or supporting discriminatory behavior. Such behavior should be addressed through appropriate channels and is unacceptable.) At the same time, it is important to recognize that emotional reactions can arise both from hurtful comments directed at us and from moments when we may feel a sense of superiority over others. These reactions can shape how we show up in our work and with others.
A persistent sense of superiority can make it harder to receive feedback and can lead to overestimating one’s abilities. Conversely, an inability to process difficult feedback or develop resilience in the face of criticism can limit growth, especially when the feedback is accurate or useful.
Comparison may be inevitable, but what we do with those comparisons is a choice. We can respond in ways that reinforce defensiveness and disengagement, or we can use them as motivation to grow into a better version of ourselves.
Negative emotions or feeling belittled are real experiences, but they do not have to determine how we engage with our work or with others.
About the Author
James Steur is a lecturer in political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include political psychology, political behavior, and the role of emotions in citizen decision-making. He is a first-generation student, passionate coffee drinker, and excited to be blogging at MPSA. You can find James on his website at https://www.jamessteur.com/, X at @JamesSteur, and BlueSky at @jamessteur.bsky.social
The views and opinions expressed in blogs are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MPSA (Midwest Political Science Association). Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as official statements or endorsements by MPSA.